Ep 5. Alabama's Civil Rights Trail

The Travel Detective is a travel show that takes viewers on a journey around the world in search of the best destinations, experiences, and adventures. In season 7 episode 5, host Peter Greenberg explores Alabama's Civil Rights Trail, a historic route that retraces the steps of the civil rights movement in the southern United States.

The episode begins with Greenberg arriving in Montgomery, Alabama, where he meets his guide for the trip, Lee Sentell, the director of the Alabama Tourism Department. Sentell explains that the Civil Rights Trail includes over 30 sites throughout the state, including churches, museums, and other landmarks related to the Civil Rights Movement.

The first stop on Greenberg and Sentell's journey is the Rosa Parks Museum, named for the famous civil rights activist who famously refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955. The museum features interactive exhibits that detail Parks' life and legacy and the Montgomery Bus Boycott that followed her protest.

From there, Greenberg and Sentell visit the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor from 1954 to 1960. The church is listed as a National Historic Landmark and features a museum dedicated to King's life and work.

Next, Greenberg and Sentell travel to Selma, Alabama, where they visit the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the site of a violent confrontation between peaceful civil rights protesters and law enforcement in 1965. The bridge has since become a symbol of the struggle for civil rights and is an important stop on the Civil Rights Trail.

In Selma, Greenberg also visits the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, which tells the story of the struggle for voting rights in America, particularly for African Americans. The museum features exhibits that document the history of voting rights, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was signed into law after the events in Selma.

Finally, Greenberg and Sentell visit Birmingham, Alabama, where they tour the 16th Street Baptist Church, the site of a tragic bombing in 1963 that killed four young girls. The church is now a National Historic Landmark and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that were made in the struggle for civil rights.

Throughout the episode, Greenberg provides insightful commentary and context about the significance of each site and the events that occurred there. He also interviews local residents who share their personal stories about the Civil Rights Movement and the impact it has had on their lives.

Overall, Alabama's Civil Rights Trail is an informative and moving episode of The Travel Detective that highlights the important history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Greenberg's expert guidance and the powerful stories of the people who lived through this time make this episode a must-see for anyone interested in history and social justice.