From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell recently authored the Official U.S. Civil Rights Trail book, a 128-page hardcover book that serves as a companion guide to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and he is coming to Trussville for a book signing.
The book features more than 120 historic landmarks across 14 Southern states, including 16th Street Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
“While the world is still healing from recent events in the fight for racial justice, cultural tourism is more relevant than ever,” said Sentell. “Alabama travelers have the opportunity to visit landmarks along the trail in their own backyard to connect with these courageous stories and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the events that took place during the movement.”
There is also a website for the book that includes a trip planner feature for travelers to plan their own Civil Rights Trail itinerary or download a pre-planned itinerary on the website.
Sentell, who has served as Alabama tourism director for nearly 20 years, began organizing the trail in partnership with 14 neighboring state tourism agencies in 2007, making the trail the first of its kind. The trail has garnered regional and international acclaim since its 2018 launch.
“The Civil Rights Trail is a one-of-a-kind cultural travel experience that everyone should visit to renew their perspective and gain a deeper appreciation for those who fought before us,” said Dr. Bernice King, CEO of The King Center and last born of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. “Each landmark across the trail serves as a reminder of where my father and many other brave activists fought tirelessly for our fundamental freedoms so that future generations of Black Americans could enjoy a better life.”
The book signing will be at Books-A-Million, on Friday, Aug. 20, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.