The Race Relations tours commitment…

Race Relations Tours is committed to Improving Community Relations; Corporate & Civic Responsibility; and Cultural Empowerment & Engagement. RRT Modern Day Freedom Rides will grow to be tremendous actionable responses to rectifying and strengthening Societal and Social Justice inequities.

Our What and Our Why

Race Relations Tours (RRT) were borne out of dialogue between the Social Justice Ministries of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and Baptist Grove Church in Raleigh, North Carolina in the spring of 2021. In response to an ever present need to promote and increase racial awareness, strengthen community bonds, and nurture reconciliation, an idea developed from discussion to action. 

A committee formed and explored creating what may be an unusual, uncommon, and perhaps to some, an uncomfortable tour - comprised of citizens celebrating community togetherness. Through dedicated time, shared learning, and prayer, this committee has planned what is expected, and has already proven to be, a significant project that will foster improved race relations for all who encourage, partner, participate, and support.

 A viable mission, vision, and Biblical verse has been revealed. These elements are the guide and the direction which are building a vibrant Race Relation Tour.  

Our Mission Is

Parishioners of Baptist Grove Church and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (both located in Raleigh, North Carolina), with community friends, are joining together to travel to civil rights sites in Alabama and Georgia. We intend to deepen our knowledge and appreciation for our shared history concerning racial oppression and the struggle for civil and human rights.

Our Renewed Undertaking IS

Subsequent the heralded success of the 2023 Social Justice Civil Rights Tour, RRT has committed to expansion, and is recommitted to redeeming and spreading the original mission and vision of Social Justice experienced between a predominantly black Baptist congregation and a predominantly white Catholic congregation.

Our Vision Is

Parishioners of Baptist Grove Church and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, with community friends, standing together in solidarity, rejecting hate and intolerance, and embracing the task of dismantling systemic racism.

Our Guiding Biblical Verse Is

Mark 12: 31  - ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Our organizers

The organizing committee for Race Relations Tours is composed of members from both Baptist Grove Church and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh, North Carolina ~ bj Avent-Farmer, Becky Cawley, Leon Cooke, Keith Shannon, Tobi Shannon, Dr. Trevor Thompson, and Paul Williams.

Our Sponsors

Baptist Grove Church ~ Raleigh, North Carolina

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church ~ Raleigh, North Carolina

Open Word Christian Ministries ~ Fairburn, Georgia

Our Donors

Change Requires Choice ~ Los Angeles, California

James and Cindy Rice ~ Raleigh, North Carolina

Vicki Jack ~ Raleigh, North Carolina

Our Contributors

Reverend Dr. Jay Augustine ~ Durham, North Carolina 

Reverend Dr. Quincy Scott, Jr. ~ Fuquay Varina, North Carolina 

Belinda Reed Shannon, Esq. ~ Los Angeles, California 

Dr. Robert O. White, II ~ Montgomery, Alabama

Our Advocates

Sabrina Gammage ~ Fayetteville, North Carolina 

Antoine Medley ~ Raleigh, North Carolina 

John Reed ~ Atlanta, Georgia

Dr. Maya Taylor ~ Union City, Georgia

Race Relations Tours are coordinated by Preparing America’s Tomorrow Today {PATT} a community organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina and Los Angeles, California. PATT has organized and conducted college tours, cultural, and civic engagement-oriented events, excursions, and trips for over twenty-five years inside and outside the continental United States of America. Race Relations Tours is a Limited Liability Company recognized and organized in the state of North Carolina, USA in 2022.