Have you ever wanted to follow the footsteps of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? You can at regional stops before or after MLK Day on Monday, Jan. 16.
In fact, Grice Connect's readers can do this through following the Georgia's Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Trail. The "trail" is more of a virtual compilation of landmarks or stops related to the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. King, Jr. from Explore Georgia.
By the way, some locations which can actually be visited on the trail are as close as Savannah or Augusta. Note that many are not open on MLK Day itself. But they can be visited before or after the federal holiday on certain days and times outlined here.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s History at First African Baptist Church in Savannah
The First African Baptist Church at 23 Montgomery St. in Savannah played a prominent role in the history of the civil rights movement and in the history of the Rev. Dr. King's legacy. However, MLK Day itself will not be a day for any tours at the church. Dates will be available before and after the holiday to tour it.
A spokesperson from the church stated over email, "Tours are Tuesday through Saturday at 1 p.m."
According to Explore Georgia, "During the 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke at First African Baptist Church (in Savannah)."
"In 2017, the Georgia Historical Society and First African Baptist Church erected a marker in front of the church on Franklin Square," the site continued.
In addition, the First African Baptist Church in Savannah is one of the oldest African American Baptist Churches in North America. It was organized in 1773 by the Rev. George Leile, who preached to the enslaved people at Brampton Plantation.
Many years later (verging on approximately two centuries later), according again to Explore Georgia, "In his dual role as president of the Savannah NAACP and pastor of First African Baptist Church, (the) Rev. Ralph Mark Gilbert led numerous voter registration drives and demonstrations that led to integration of the Savannah Police Department and public facilities."
Touring the church does require advanced, purchased tickets as seen here. Again, tours are conducted Tuesday through Saturday at 1 p.m.
Virtual Sunday services for the church are held at 10 a.m.
The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum highlights the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy as well as that of others
Next, another regional stop on Georgia's Footsteps of MLK Jr. Trail is The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum at 460 MLK Jr. Blvd. in Savannah.
According to Explore Georgia, "The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum chronicles the civil rights movement in Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city."
The website continues, "The museum is named in honor of Rev. Ralph Mark Gilbert, who was the pastor of First African Baptist Church from 1939 to 1956 and president of the Savannah branch of the NAACP from 1942 to 1948."
"His civil rights legacy included establishment of the West Broad Street YMCA, hiring of Savannah’s first black police officers and voter registration drives for the NAACP," according to Explore Georgia.
Grice Connect readers who visit on the appropriate days and times can explore photographs and interactive exhibits on the museum's three levels. These exhibits capture civil rights struggles in Savannah. They include depictions of demonstrations at Levy's Department Store, an exhibit of a theater with seating that resembles pews in African-American churches, and more.
According to their answering machine, the museum is currently open Thursday through Saturday from 10am-5pm. The last tour is at 4pm each day. Please note this information is different from that on the Explore Georgia website.
For the most up-to-date information, see the museum site or call (912) 777-6099.
Churches in Augusta have connections to the Rev. Dr. King
Other regional MLK sites that cannot be visited/toured but perhaps photographed from afar are in Augusta. The Explore Georgia website states the "...sites played an important role in Dr. King's fight for social justice..." It also states they are not currently open for visitations.
These include Beulah Grove Baptist Church and Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Beulah Grove Baptist Church is at 1434 Poplar St. in Augusta. Their website states, though tours are not listed, "We welcome you to stop by to learn more about our church." For more information, visit their site or call them at (706) 724-1086.
The main campus of Tabernacle Baptist Church is at 1223 Laney-Walker Blvd. in Augusta. For more information, see their website or call (706) 724-1230.
Following the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's footsteps throughout Georgia
Grice Connect readers can further follow the Rev. Dr. King, Jr.'s footsteps through a large part of the state of Georgia. Other sites on the trail throughout Georgia can be found here. In addition, a printable brochure in PDF form from Explore Georgia can be accessed here.
Over email, a representative from Explore Georgia declined comment on this story for Grice Connect but provided additional links for information than were first researched for it.
