2016 Freedom Tour: PMP&R Backs 10-Day Civil Rights Trip for Students

This summer from June 19-29, 25 area high school students will be travelling via bus though the Deep South. As part of the 2016 Freedom Tour, these students will experience and learn the history of the U.S. civil rights movement through visits to its landmarks and institutions and multiple interactions with many who led, participated in or now study the centuries-long struggle. The 2016 Freedom Tour and is sponsored by the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights (MCHR). MCHR is a non-profit group dedicated to universal human rights through education, advocacy, community organization and action. PMP&R is providing financial support for 2016 Freedom Tour by covering the cost of the trip for several students. The firm has also been a supporter of previous Freedom Tours. “The Freedom Tour provides an extraordinary opportunity for area high school students to walk in the footsteps of famous civil rights activists and leaders, see the landmarks of the movement, talk with contemporary civil rights activists and learn about the philosophy of non-violence,” said firm co-founder Cary McGehee, who is the long-time chair of the MCHR Board of Directors. The 2016 Freedom Tour itinerary includes: *Atlanta – Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change and Ebenezer Church. *Montgomery, Ala. – Freedom Riders Museum, Rosa Parks Center and Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. *Meridian and Jackson, Miss. – Medgar Evers House, Choctaw Native American Reservation, Tougaloo College and the Arab Museum. *Selma and Lowndes County, Ala. – Edmund Pettus Bridge, Viola Liuzzo Memorial, the Slavery Museum and National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. *Memphis, Tenn. – Lorraine Hotel Museum and Beale Street music scene. “We provide these students a powerful, firsthand experience of the rich narrative of the civil rights movement. And we demonstrate through the example of civil rights heroes that they, as young people, have power and can make a difference,” said McGehee. “For months prior to the tour, we also mentor and develop these teens so they can return to their own communities, schools and churches as informed and inspired young social activists,” said McGehee. Fundraising efforts continue toward the $75,000 goal – the full cost of the tour. Sponsorship of a single student is $1500, but donations of any size are appreciated and welcomed. Donations may be made directly to MCHR at 9200 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, Mich. 48213 or the 2016 Freedom Tour CrowdRise Fundraiser at http://bit.ly/21lvRJW. For more information on the 2016 Freedom Tour visit MCHR.org.