Take the road less traveled and follow the twist and turns of one of America’s most momentous eras: the Civil Rights Movement. Written by award-winning journalist and author Deborah D. Douglas, MOON U.S. CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL: A Traveler’s Guide to the People, Places, and Events that Made the Movement (Moon Travel Guides, 1/12/21) takes home-bound travelers and curious minds on an eye-opening journey inspired by the official Civil Rights Trail (established in 2018 by Travel South). Both a functional tour guidebook and narrative, U.S. Civil Rights Trail brings the movement’s most pivotal moments to life through illustrative storytelling, historical sites, and cultural experiences. As the 20th century Civil Rights Movement continues to serve as inspiration and a blueprint for many modern-day calls for justice and equality, Moon U.S. Civil Rights Trail helps readers understand the movement’s impact, and commemorates the people, places, and events that shifted America toward change.

“We are literally surrounded by greatness and don’t even know it,” Douglas said. “So many of the places I visited in writing this book are part of the daily fabric of our lives, but we miss opportunities to engage with them from viewpoint of greatness they represent. Thankfully, more cities and institutions are waking up to the narrative power of African American history, including the Civil Rights Movement. This story happens to be relevant on so many levels right now and urgently so.”

Walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where peaceful voting-rights demonstrators faced violence at the hands of law enforcement in 1965. Take a moment of silence as you place your feet near the ruins of Bryant’s Grocery & Meat and contemplate the heartrending moment that ultimately led to the brutal murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in 1955. To provide additional context to these moving sites, the guidebook also includes a collection of museum recommendations and dozens of personal stories from activists, historians, and locals. These personal insights and destinations offered provide unique perspectives and experiences not often included in mainstream travel guides.

“Black communities and cultural experiences rarely make it into official travel messaging and resources, as they are not often thought of as destinations or must-dos. But they are,” Douglas said. “In MOON U.S. CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL, I encourage visitors to patronize Black-owned restaurants, shops, and other local happenings that celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to American culture and history.”

Writing this guidebook came naturally for Douglas. A product of the Great Migration, she grew up hearing stories about life before and after her family moved from the South to the North. Having lived in Chicago, Detroit, and Memphis metro as a child, Douglas layers in a unique storyline that makes each guidebook recommendation feel personal and thoughtfully curated.

What’s included in the guidebook?
● Flexible Itineraries: Travel the entire trail through the South, or take shorter trips with chapters on Charleston, Birmingham, Jackson, Memphis, Washington, D.C., and other notable places that were significant to the movement.
● Historic Civil Rights Sites: Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, be transformed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and stand tall with the Little Rock Nine at their memorial in Arkansas.
● The Culture of the Movement: Get to know the voices, stories, music, and flavors that shape and celebrate the Black American experience, both then and now. The guide includes must-try restaurants and personal stories from those who participated in the movement.
● Expert Insight: Award-winning journalist Deborah D. Douglas offers her knowledge and valuable perspective, including suggestions for engaging with local communities by supporting Black-owned businesses and connecting with community organizations.
● Travel Tools: Find tips on where to stay, eat, and experience the best local nightlife. Plus, get driving directions for exploring the sites on a road trip. The book also includes a colorful, double-sided foldout map.
● Detailed coverage of: Charleston, Atlanta, Selma to Montgomery, Birmingham, Jackson, the Mississippi Delta, Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Moon U.S. Civil Rights Trail is the perfect read to keep travelers and learners engaged and curious about the world around them .The guide also includes safer travel options for COVID-19, such as self-guided driving tours and visits to outdoor landmarks. Moon encourages travelers to confirm specific details, like opening hours, closures, and travel guidelines and restrictions when making travel plans.