National Reparations Advocate Bringing 40-Mile Walk to West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, a Baltimore pastor and national advocate for reparations, will bring his “40 Miles for 40 Acres” campaign to West Virginia on June 11 and 12, walking approximately 40 miles from Kanawha Falls to the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston.

The walk is part of Turner’s nationwide effort to raise awareness about reparations for the descendants of enslaved Africans and the lasting impacts of slavery, segregation, and systemic discrimination. Earlier this year, Turner completed 40 consecutive monthly walks from Baltimore to the White House before expanding the campaign to state capitals across the country.

A public meeting with Turner will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at Grace Bible Church, 600 Kanawha Boulevard West, Charleston. The event is being hosted by Pastor M.J. Watts and is open to community members interested in learning more about the reparations movement.

Turner, pastor of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, has become known for using long-distance walks as a form of public witness and advocacy. The “40 Miles for 40 Acres” theme references the unfulfilled promise of “40 acres and a mule” offered to formerly enslaved people after the Civil War. Turner has said the walks honor generations of African Americans whose labor helped build the nation but who never received compensation or repair for centuries of enslavement and discrimination.

In March, Turner completed a 40-mile march from Warren County to the North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh, carrying a “Reparations Now” sign and drawing support from clergy and community members along the route. That march was part of his broader effort to bring the reparations conversation directly to communities and state leaders nationwide.

At this time, organizers have not publicly released details about the exact route, start time, or whether members of the public may join portions of the West Virginia walk. Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact organizers for additional information.

What to Know

Who: Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, pastor of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore

What: Public meeting and 40-mile reparations walk

When: June 11-12, 2026

Meeting: Thursday, June 11, at 4:30 p.m.

Location: Grace Bible Church, 600 Kanawha Blvd. West, Charleston

Purpose: To raise awareness about reparations for descendants of enslaved Africans and advocate for historical repair and racial justice.

For more information, contact Pastor M.J. Watts or Marcy Seitel at 301-254-2158