Lekgotla Montgomery

Montgomery: Equal Justice Lekgotla Journey February 2026

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth

a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy ≠ and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

Senator Robert F. Kennedy Day of Affirmation Address • University of Cape Town • June 6, 1966

Ripples of Hope • P.O. Box 1263 • Dedham • MA • 02027 • www.ripplesofhope.org

meeting or gathering of wise, thoughtful LEKGOTLA aleaders with sharp minds and big hearts Noun • South Africa

Dear Fellow Travelers, Visionaries, and Changemakers, Welcome to the Lekgotla Journey to Montgomery! We are honored and excited to embark on this transformative experience with each of you.

Lekgotla is more than a gathering—it is a sacred space for reflection, dialogue, and collective visioning. Rooted in traditions of wisdom and community, Lekgotla invites us to come together with open minds and hearts: to listen deeply, share boldly, and co-create a future shaped by our shared values and aspirations.

Montgomery, a central site of the civil rights movement, embodies both the struggle and the progress of the fight for justice. This journey immerses participants in the city’s pivotal role in American civil rights history while highlighting its ongoing significance as a center for justice, activism, and civic leadership.

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As we step into this space together, let us embrace the spirit of Lekgotla—learning from one another, honoring our diverse perspectives, and nurturing the collective wisdom that will guide us forward. May our time together spark ripples of change— within ourselves, within our communities, and in the world beyond.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to building, growing, and celebrating with you.

With deep gratitude and excitement, Kristen Atwood Founder & Board Chair

Jennie Eplett Reilly Founding Vice Chair

Cindy Laba Director

AboUT THE JOURNEY Guided by Bryan Stevenson’s extraordinary vision, the Equal Justice Initiative has transformed Montgomery into a sacred landscape of truth and remembrance. Through the Legacy Museum, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, visitors embark on a powerful journey that bears witness to the history of enslavement, lynching, and mass incarceration— stories told through art, voice, and memory.

These spaces stir the soul and invite deep reflection, calling us to confront injustice and embrace the shared work of healing. What Bryan and his team have built is not just a museum or a memorial—it is a pilgrimage of hope, courage, and renewal for all who believe in the power of truth to set us free.

Date

Thursday 2/5

Friday 2/6

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Activities

Welcome Circle at The Pavilion at The Legacy Museum Lunch inside the Legacy Museum with Bryan Stevenson Participation in a guided tour of the Legacy Museum, engaging with interactive exhibits and historical narratives that examine enslavement, racial injustice, and mass incarceration in the United States Museum Reflection, led by Raymond Jetson Community dinner, joined by Doris Crenshaw – creating space for conversation, connection, and thoughtful closure

Riverboat journey along the Alabama River to Freedom Monument Sculpture Park Spend the morning moving at your own pace through the Sculpture Park and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Visit Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute for lunch and conversation with Judge Myron Thompson and Executive Director, Thomas Rains Southern Poverty Law Center for a conversation with Joe Levin Evening gathering at the home of Peggy Mussafer, joined by local civil rights leaders, for shared reflection and community.

Thursday Thursday February March 27th5

Facing History, Forming Community

Today’s Schedule 1:00 pm

Welcome Circle at the Pavilion at The Legacy Museum

1:30 pm

Lunch with Bryan Stevenson

2:30 pm

The Legacy Museum Visit

5:00 pm

Our journey begins with a Welcome Circle at The Pavilion at The Legacy Museum. This opening moment sets the tone for the experience, inviting connection, shared purpose, and thoughtful engagement with the history that will be explored throughout the day.

We will then share lunch inside the Legacy Museum, joined by Bryan Stevenson, providing a moment to pause, connect, and prepare for the powerful experience ahead. Following lunch, participants take part in a self-guided tours of the Legacy Museum, where interactive exhibits and historical narratives trace the legacy of enslavement, racial injustice, and mass incarceration in the United States. This immersive experience encourages deep reflection and meaningful dialogue. We will reconvene at The Pavilion for a brief reflection at 5:00pm, led by Raymond Jetson.

≠Facing History, Forming Community Reflection

5:30 pm

Depart for Hotel

7:15 pm

Depart for Dinner

7:30 pm

Community Dinner with Doris Crenshaw

10:00 pm

Return to Hotel

After the museum visit, the group returns to the hotel for rest and personal time to process the afternoon’s experiences. The day concludes with a community dinner, at Central Restaurant, where we will be joined

by Doris Crenshaw.

This evening will give time for everyone to be together once more to share reflections, build connection, and thoughtfully close a day centered on learning, remembrance, and collective understanding.

Landmarks of Courage: Tuesday Friday Tracing the Path of Justice February 6 After breakfast at the hotel, our day begins on the water. We invite you to travel by riverboat along the Alabama River. During this 15-minute ride, participants will have time to take in the landscape and reflect as we make our way toward Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. We will gather and formally begin the day’s program. Shuttle service will be available throughout the day between all sites.

After our welcome at the park, Lekgotla travelers are invited to move at their own pace through both Freedom Monument Sculpture Park and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

At 1:00 p.m., we will depart for the Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute, where we will share lunch and be welcomed by Judge Myron Thompson. This stop offers an opportunity to connect the historical experiences of the morning with the ongoing work of justice and the rule of law. (Photo ID required. No cell phones inside.)

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At 2:30 p.m., we will continue to the Southern Poverty Law Center for a conversation with Joe Levin, whose insights will further ground the day in the contemporary fight for civil and human rights.

We will return to the hotel around 5:00 p.m. Our route will pass by many significant civil rights landmarks, offering a moving visual reminder of Montgomery’s central role in the struggle for justice.

In the evening, please be ready by 6:15 p.m. to depart by shuttle bus for dinner at the home of Peggy Mussafer, a longtime community advocate and supporter of civic and social justice initiatives. We will be joined by local civil rights leaders for an intimate gathering that invites conversation, connection, and shared reflection.

Friday’s Schedule Before 8:45 am

Breakfast

8:45 am

Morning Circle

9:00 am

Depart hotel

9:30 am

Boat Departure

9:50 am

Freedom Monument Sculpture Park & The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

1:15 pm

Lunch at Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute

2:45 pm

Southern Poverty Law Center

4:00 pm

Bus Tour

6:15 pm

Depart for Dinner

6:30 pm

Community Dinner at Peggy Mussafer’s Home

10:00 pm

Return to Hotel

places we places we will will visit visit Organization

Description

Freedom Monument Sculpture Park

At this 17-acre site along the very river where tens of thousands of enslaved people were trafficked, breathtaking art and original artifacts invite an immersive, interactive journey and provide a unique view into the lives of enslaved people. Listen to Muscogee family stories as they were told centuries ago on this very spot. Step inside a train car like those used to traffic enslaved people to Montgomery – as you hear trains pass on nearby tracks originally laid by enslaved people. Stand before an authentic dwelling inhabited by enslaved people and marvel at sculptures created from bricks made by enslaved artisans.

Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute

The Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute is a non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public about the U.S. Constitution, the federal judiciary, and the legacy of Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Through courthouse tours, educational programs, and outreach initiatives, the Institute promotes an understanding of landmark cases, constitutional principles, and civic engagement.

The Legacy Museum

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)

On the site of a cotton warehouse where enslaved Black people were forced to labor in bondage, the Legacy Museum tells the story of slavery in America and its legacy through interactive media, first-person narratives, world-class art, and data-rich exhibits.

Travel through a comprehensive history of the destructive violence that shaped our nation, from the slave trade, to the era of Jim Crow and racial terror lynchings, to our current mass incarceration crisis—and find inspiration in the soaring Reflection Space and world-class art gallery.

On a hilltop overlooking Montgomery is the nation’s first comprehensive memorial dedicated to the legacy of Black Americans who were enslaved, terrorized by lynching, humiliated by racial segregation, and presumed guilty and dangerous.

More than 4,400 Black people killed in racial terror lynchings between 1877 and 1950 are remembered here. Their names are engraved on more than 800 Corten steel monuments —one for each county where a racial terror lynching took place—that form the main structure of the memorial at the heart of this six-acre site.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a nonprofit civil rights organization based in Montgomery, Alabama, dedicated to fighting hate, bigotry, and systemic injustice. It works through legal advocacy, education, research, and community partnership to dismantle white supremacy, protect civil rights, and advance equality for marginalized communities.

The SPLC is known for its litigation against discriminatory practices, public education programs, and efforts to monitor and expose hate groups and extremist activity nationwide.

people We people We will will Meet Meet Who

Biography

Charles Alphin, Sr.

Charles Alphin, Sr. served more than 26 years with the St. Louis City Police Department, rising to the rank of captain and retiring as Commander of Vice/Narcotics after leading Homicide/Rape and Child Abuse and serving as District Commander. In 1992, at the request of Coretta Scott King, he moved to Atlanta to work at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, where he became Director of Education and Training. He later joined LaFayette & Associates under the mentorship of Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. Captain Alphin has trained nationally and internationally in Kingian Nonviolence, including four months in South Africa helping train more than 220,000 citizens during the historic elections that led to Nelson Mandela’s inauguration

Doris Crenshaw

Doris Dozier Crenshaw is a lifelong community activist, civic leader, and founder of the Southern Youth Leadership Development Institute. With more than six decades of experience, her work spans grassroots organizing, national political leadership, and youth development.

She began her activism at age 12 as vice president of the NAACP Youth Council, where Rosa Parks served as advisor, and later worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Chicago Open Housing Campaign. Doris has held leadership roles with the Carter White House, national presidential campaigns, and major civil rights initiatives, including mobilization efforts led by Coretta Scott King and Dorothy Height. Widely honored for her service, she remains deeply committed to advancing justice, leadership, and community empowerment.

Raymond A. Jetson

Raymond A. Jetson is a community change leader and social innovator who leads MetroMorphosis, a Baton Rouge–based social enterprise focused on advancing racial, social, and economic equity through asset-based, community-centered transformation. In 2023, he launched Aging While Black, a movement elevating the voices and wellbeing of Black elders through community, innovation, and cultural wisdom. Jetson brings a distinguished record of public service, including roles as a Louisiana state representative for 15 years, deputy secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, CEO of the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps, and longtime pastor of Star Hill Church. He is a recognized national voice on community engagement and social change.

Joe Levin

Joe Levin the Southern Poverty Law Center with Morris Dees in 1971 and was SPLC's legal director from 1971 until 1976. Levin worked on more than 50 major civil rights cases. He argued the landmark sex discrimination case, Frontiero vs. Richardson, in which the U.S. Supreme court struck down a federal law giving preferences to men in the military. In 1976, Levin left the SPLC to work for President-elect Carter's Justice Department transition team. He was Special Assistant to the Attorney General and Chief Counsel to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under President Carter. After Ronald Reagan was elected, Levin began a private practice which he ran until 1996 when he resumed his work with the SPLC as its CEO for a time.

Beginning in November 2003, Levin became president emeritus.

people We people We will will Meet Meet Who

Biography

Peggy Mussafer

Peggy Mussafer is one of those people who seems to know everyone—and somehow actually does. She laughs easily, is endlessly generous with her time, and is an absolute force of nature. If you get the chance to talk with her, take it—you’ll leave smiling and better for it.

A longtime interior designer, Peggy is a proud alum of Leadership Alabama and Leadership Montgomery, and a graduate of Newcomb College at Tulane University, where she met her beloved husband, Maurice “Mo” Mussafer. Married the same year they met, Peggy and Mo built a life rooted in love, humor, and deep commitment to family and community.

Peggy has served as past president of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and remains deeply woven into the life of the city. Still leading, still connecting, and still lighting up every room she enters, Peggy brings energy, warmth, and heart wherever she goes.

Thomas Rains

Thomas Rains is Executive Director of The Judge Johnson Institute and its first employee, joining the organization in 2019. He previously worked to advance education policy focused on college and career readiness across Alabama and has experience as a middle school teacher in the Mississippi Delta, a journalist in New York, and a policy researcher in Washington, DC. Thomas serves on the advisory boards of Teach For America–Alabama and the Family Guidance Center of Montgomery’s Success by Six. A graduate of Leadership Alabama (Class XXXIV) and Leadership Montgomery, he holds an MPA from Columbia University and dual bachelor’s degrees from Boston University. Raised in Alabama, Thomas and his family have called Montgomery home since 2011.

Bryan Stevenson

Bryan Stevenson is a civil rights lawyer, educator, and the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he has dedicated his career to challenging racial injustice, excessive punishment, and wrongful convictions in the United States. Stevenson has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court and played a leading role in landmark cases addressing the death penalty, life-without-parole sentences for children, and the treatment of incarcerated people.

He is the author of Just Mercy, a bestselling book that explores the intersection of justice, mercy, and redemption and has been adapted into a major motion picture. Through his legal advocacy, public education, and memorial projects, Stevenson has helped reshape national conversations about justice, history, and human dignity.

Judge Myron Thompson

Judge Myron Thompson devoted his career to public service and the fair administration of justice. Appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama in 1994, he served for more than two decades, earning respect for his integrity, clarity, and commitment to the rule of law. He assumed senior status in 2009 and continued to hear cases until his retirement in 2017. Before joining the federal bench, Judge Thompson served as Alabama State Finance Director, Deputy Attorney General, and a judge on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. Throughout his judicial service, he presided over significant cases involving constitutional rights and criminal justice. He is widely admired for his collegiality, mentorship of young lawyers, and dedication to strengthening public trust in the judiciary.

Lekgotla Travelers Lekgotla Travelers We are deeply grateful to this incredible group of sharp minds and big hearts for joining the Lekgotla trip to Montgomery. Through your insight, passion, and generosity, you will create meaningful connections and lasting impact. We are honored to share this journey with you!

Name

Top Three Values

Email

Charles Alphin

Spirituality, Family, Honesty

alphincharles@gmail.com

Erika Alvarez Werner

Integrity, Community, Grace

ealvarezwerner@gmail.com

Jim Atwood

Family, Family, Family

james.atwood591@gmail.com

Kristen Atwood

Gratitude, Authenticity, Ubuntu

Kristenatwood5@gmail.com

Chris Bell

Authenticity, Integrity, Freedom

chris_bell@newprofit.org

Holly Bonomo

Open heartedness, Creativity, Humility

bonomoh@mac.com

Michael Brown

Inclusion, Integrity, Democracy

mbrown@publicpurpose.net

Maureen Coffey

Presence, Authenticity, Land stewardship

blackcoffeymaureen@gmail.com

Molly Cramer

Kindness, Family, Ethical

mollyrogerscramer@gmail.com

Leonard Egerton

Humanity, My relationship with my wife Clarrissa and children, Respect

legerton@icbvinc.com

Jennie Eplett Reilly

Faith, Family, Creativity, Gratitude

JERworkshop@gmail.com

Nicole Felton

Honesty, Fairness, Empathy

nfelton6@aol.com

Raymond Jetson

Stewardship, Community, Imagination

raymond@agingwhileblack.co

Alan Khazei

Love, Community, Justice

alankhazei@gmail.com

Vanessa Kirsch

Love, Justice , Curiosity

vanessa_kirsch@newprofit.org

Cindy Laba

Grit, Courage, Forgiveness

cindylaba@ripplesofhope.org

Jailen Leavell

Integrity, Compassion, Knowledge

Jmleav01@gmail.com

Kate Lilienthal

Responsibility, Tolerance, Care

hey_kate@yahoo.com

JB Lyon

Love, Equality, Trust

jblyon16@gmail.com

Lekgotla Travelers Lekgotla Travelers Name

Top Three Values

Email

Kristina Lyons

Honesty, Kindness, Courage, Humor...

kristinaharelyons@icloud.com

Charlotte Mao

Kindness, Caring, Following "Golden Rule"

cmao64@gmail.com

Lynda Macdonald

Family, Compassion, Curiosity

lblmacdonald@gmail.com

Maryfrances Metrick

Honesty, Compassion, Commitment

maryfranceslouise@gmail.com

Valerie Mosely

Family, Kindness, Community Responsibility

Valerie@GetBrightUp.com

Katie Pakenham

Relationships, Creativity, Integrity

kpakenham@gmail.com

Dianna Payton

Spirituality/Faith, Love, Integrity

paytond@YWCA-BR.ORG

Daunte Pean

Respect, Community, Optimism

peandaunte@gmail.com

Sean Reilly

Family, Loyalty, Integrity

sreilly@lamar.com

Catherine Rose

Kindness, Curiosity, Persistence

fivelazyr@me.com

Eric Schwarz

Community, Stewardship, Equalizing access to life-changing experiences

eric.schwarz@collegeforsocialinno vation.org

Shruti Sehra

Fairness, Autonomy, Relatedness

shruti96@gmail.com

Kim Syman

Curiosity, Hope, Agency

ksyman@gmail.com

Brian Trelstad

Integrity, Loyalty, Curiosity

btrelstad@hbs.edu

Kyle Umemba

Family, God, Community

kumemba@gmail.com

John Werner

Creativity, Curiosity, Passion

johnkwerner09@gmail.com

Danielle West

Authenticity, Accountability, Empathy

daniellewest@ripplesofhope.org

Helpful information Helpful information Location

Address

Phone Number

Central Restaurant

129 Coosa Street

334-517-1155

Elevation Convening Center & Hotel

600 Montgomery Street

334-929-0600

Freedom Monument Sculpture Park

831 Walker Street

334-386-9100

Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute

1 Church Street

334-209-4774

The Legacy Museum

400 N. Court Street

334-386-9100

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

417 Caroline Street

334-386-9100

Mussafer Home

2254 Fernway Drive

334-546-1195

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)

400 Washington Avenue

334-956-8200

Name

Email

Phone Number

Kristen Atwood

kristenatwood@ripplesofhope.org

781-858-2305

Jennie Eplett Reilly

JERworkshop@gmail.com

225-615-1182

Cindy Laba

cindylaba@ripplesofhope.org

617-233-3022

Danielle West

daniellewest@ripplesofhope.org

716-861-5981

About the About the Fellowship Fellowship Founded in 2022 to honor the life and legacy of social entrepreneur Greg Ricks, the Ripples of Hope International Fellowship selects 12–15 young adult leaders each year from South Africa and the United States to participate in a life-changing experience in both countries.

The Fellowship targets motivated change agents who share a commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity, equity, inclusion, and hope. Fellows are selected for their passion, demonstrated commitment, and unique potential as community leaders driving social change and community-led movements for justice.

This distinctive international program engages Fellows in a cohort-based experience of learning across boundaries and builds a values-driven pipeline of social entrepreneurs. Fellows commit to a year of monthly virtual workshops, two intensive cultural immersions in the United States and South Africa, and regular meetings with a personalized coach. As a result, Fellows become part of a lifelong international learning community composed of educators, activists, and social change agents from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Meet the Meet the Fellows Fellows The Class of 2026 Our fourth cohort of Ripples of Hope Fellows brings diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and passions while all share a commitment for service and inciting social change. These Fellows kicked off their Fellowship in the United States.

Sky Chacon USA

Housing justice advocate and sustainable urban systems researcher

Cameron Farrar USA

Doctoral Student at Syracuse University studying Sociology

Ashwyne Dames South Africa

Psychology student and social change advocate

Jordan Sarah Langehoven South Africa

Environment and Development student at Stellenbosch University; Aspiring urban planner

Zandile Dywati South Africa

PhD fellow at the Center for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest

Jailen Leavell USA

Communications Professional

Meet the Meet the Fellows Fellows The Class of 2026

Lwandisile Mhlanga South Africa

Master of Engineering Logistics and Supply Chain Systems student, Stellenbosch University

Thando Mzimela South Africa

Ephemia Monama South Africa

Khosikhadi Mmatlala wa Mudau South Africa

English Coach/Tutor

Co-Founder of Botswalle, The Sisterhood Foundation

Donay October

Daunte Pean

South Africa

USA

Political Studies graduate, 2025 Graduate of Northeastern University of the Western Cape; University; Incoming Deloitte Information Systems student at Founder, October Foundation Analyst; Founder of Reeva.

University of Cape Town

Jordan Stanley

Ryan Vaughan

Fletcher York

Student at the University of New Hampshire: Social Work, Sustainability, and Dance

Marketing Manager at Friends of Southwest Virginia

UChicago MPP Graduate and Equitable Education Advocate

USA

USA

USA

How we How we support support our our work work

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Ripples of Hope is supported by generous gifts and grants from foundations, corporations, and philanthropic individuals and families.

The Ripples of Hope Ubuntu Circle Launched in 2024, the Ubuntu Circle is our major gift program, uniting a community of engaged and thoughtful donors who make an annual commitment to support the vital work of Ripples of Hope. Our goal is to raise $525,000 in annual donations from this very special community of philanthropic families.

The Ubuntu Circle Giving Levels are as follows: Platinum Level: $100,000 Gold Level: $50,000 Silver Level: $25,000 Bronze Level: $10,000

Members of The Ubuntu Circle are provided with special opportunities for service, speaker series, and journeys. Please consider joining!

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