Story submitted by Meghan Claussen, Director of Communications (FUMCSD)
First United Methodist Church of San Diego (FUMCSD) has announced the next legs of its transformative Sankofa Pilgrimage, a racial justice and discipleship ministry open to United Methodists and friends who share the same commitment. In 2026, pilgrims will explore historic sites across Southern and Northern California, and in 2027, participants will travel to Ghana, West Africa, to engage with the global story of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The Sankofa Pilgrimage is more than a trip. It is a sacred journey of study, travel, and reflection, rooted in the West African Adinkra symbol Sankofa, which means “It is not foolish to go back and get that which you have forgotten.” Together, pilgrims remember the humanity of all people, confront painful truths about the church’s complicity in racism, and explore how God is calling us to be builders of justice and reconciliation today.
Since its launch in 2023, Sankofa has taken United Methodists and friends through the Southern, Northeastern, and Midwestern United States, tracing the story from the Transatlantic Slave Trade through Chattel Slavery, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Each step has been marked by prayer, conversation, and the Spirit’s transforming work.
Upcoming Learning & Travel:
• Pre-Study Sessions: April 15 – May 27, 2026 (seven weeks, online, free and open to all)
• Southern California Pilgrimage: May 2, 16, and 23, 2026
• Northern California Pilgrimage: July 3–7, 2026
• Ghana Pilgrimage: January 20 – February 5, 2027 (limited to 40 participants)
“The Sankofa Pilgrimage is not just about history—it is about discipleship, healing, and God’s call to create the beloved community,” said Rev. Trudy D. Robinson, Lead Pastor of First UMC San Diego. “We believe this journey will transform lives and equip participants to lead change in their congregations and communities.”
The Sankofa Pilgrimage welcomes people of all faith backgrounds. Teens 14+ may attend with a trusted adult. Classroom learning is free and open to everyone, even for those not traveling.
Learn More
Details on past trips, registration, and upcoming informational sessions can be found at fumcsd.org/sankofa. To support wider participation, contributions may be made to the Sankofa Scholarship Fund at fumcsd.org/sankofa-gift.
About First United Methodist Church of San Diego
Since 1869, FUMCSD has borne witness to God’s love through worship, service, and justice. Rooted in inclusivity, the church welcomes all people—LGBTQIA, BIPOC, seekers, and lifelong Christians alike—believing that through community we can experience the love of God in ways that inspire us to make the world more whole and holy. We put our faith in action to do just that. Visit FUMCSD online to learn more about our mission and vision.
