Written by Denise Sunta and Kate Markham
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) made big waves in 2022. From advocating for accountability in law enforcement to empowering local youth with the skills and resources they need to succeed in life, we have centered local needs and made meaningful advancements in the fight for racial justice. While 2022 was filled with obstacles, from finding a new normal with COVID, to inflation, to our fearless leader running for office, AADM sailed over these waves thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and Board. Read on to find out more about our success in 2022 or watch the slideshow video included at the bottom of this article!
Advocacy Support Initiatives
This year, AADM furthered our mission to advocate for racial and social justice by rallying in response to the Buffalo shooting, walking the 2.23 miles in memory of Ahmaud Arbery, and joining community partners in remembrance of the January 6th insurrection attempt. With Joy Village’s partnership, we held a vigil for our ancestors and celebrated the Athens Day of Jubilee and the lives and contributions of African American people in Athens with a ‘dancing march’ to ACC City Hall. We held community discussions on fair redistricting and representation, and jail conditions and public safety concerns in responses to complaints we’ve received.
We also partnered with a UGA Community GIS class to create an interactive map of Athens establishments who have signed our United Against Discrimination pledge. Users can visually see which businesses stand in solidarity against discrimination and hatred regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or immigration status. If you are interested in joining the UAD campaign, fill out our form here and we will be in touch with you.
Public Safety and Justice Reform Initiatives
Since 2019, AADM has advocated for the community’s voice to be heard and valued when it comes to procedures used by and complaints against law enforcement. Following the Athens-Clarke County (ACC) Mayor & Commission’s passing of the Public Safety Civilian Oversight Ordinance last year, AADM launched the Community Oversight Project to “improve community and police relations; promote accountability and transparency in law enforcement; and support the development of the Athens-Clarke County Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board (PSCOB)”.
During that time, members of AADM have attended all of the 14 meetings the PSCOB scheduled this year, met with PSCOB members and ACC Commissioners, and organized several pop-up events designed to inform folks who may otherwise remain unaware of the PSCOB’s purpose and future role in safety and justice in ACC. In addition, AADM hosted a dinner & discussion with members of the PSCOB and the Athens community. We estimate we reached hundreds of individuals across Athens due to our efforts. An op-ed in Athens’ independent newspaper, Flagpole, reached even more Athens’ residents.
Teen Social Justice Club: 15 students!
Being a haven for youth and a direct contributor to youth empowerment and development is central to AADM’s vision. This year we focused on providing apprenticeship opportunities, and six students were able to earn money while gaining skills in the music, non-profit, and community theater industries. In addition to gaining valuable career and life skills, our students created and developed a community of activism and care with youth their own age. They were exposed to a range of activities and learning experiences that they may not have had otherwise such as horse-back riding, farming, and rallying for educational freedoms. They also had a blast just being young and going bowling and playing tennis. and had fun with one another through bowling, rallying for educational freedoms, and exploring animal-to-human relationships. Our students won the $500 first place prize at the Seats of Justice Youth Art competition hosted by the Western District Attorney’s Office as well! We are so proud of our youth for their willingness to expand their mindset, engage in career exploration, and plan for their futures.
Freedom Fund: 27 people bailed out
The Freedom Fund was launched in response to the BLM protests happening across the country in 2020. It was launched during the pandemic, amidst lockdowns, job insecurity, and in a time when folks were joining together because they could no longer stay silent in the face of injustice. AADM maintained the program after 2020 and, this year, we bailed 27 people out of jail. Not only did we help those in Athens but, because there are so few organizations like our own, we extended our aid to the surrounding counties, when our funds would allow. Freedom does not end once a person has been released on bail. While the reach of the Freedom Fund has grown tremendously since its launch, there are many pre-trial costs associated with being charged with a crime. AADM assisted 14 people with temporary housing, food security, and employment security after getting out of jail. We also provided support for 16 people post-sentence with fees associated with probation, drivers’ license reinstatement, and rehabilitative courses.
Community Service Program: 11 graduates and five on their way!
Whether you need community service hours for court-ordered reasons, a school/organization requirement, or for your own personal growth, AADM has you covered. AADM’s Community Service program offers high school students and adults a range of opportunities to learn more about racial and social justice issues in Athens while giving back to the community. AADM’s Community Service program is approved by the ACC Courts and is listed as an option for several UGA courses requiring students complete community service hours. We match participants with opportunities based on their expressed interests and availability. Our program now offers in-person and virtual options, including attending local governmental meetings, assisting/attending community events and forums, and providing support at the AADM Justice Center & Bookstore. We offer asynchronous service options as well, including researching local issues and creating infographics and hosting neighborhood pop-up events.
Eleven people graduated from AADM’s Community Service program this year, and five more are on track to complete their hours! As one of our graduates said “Finally, now that I am aware and knowledgeable of the many needs in the community, I can incorporate the impact this program has had on me, into impacting others’.
Community Building Initiatives
Building community is at the center of all AADM work. As always, we started our year off with the annual MLK Day Parade and Music Fest. We celebrated Juneteenth with Black authors, poets, and artists, hosted a song-writing workshop with local performance artist Cas Chantel and a Afro-Caribbean dance class with our very own Mokah Johnson, and learned more about the importance of ‘truthful’ education in dismantling systemic racism and white supremacy through the Spring iteration of Teach the Truth Thursdays. Going into the election seasons, we canvassed, organized community pop-ups, and held community forums with local mayoral, commissioner, and Board of Education candidates. In partnership with the GA Department of Public Health, we held COVID-19 vaccine and booster pop-ups for those interested in receiving them. We highlighted and celebrated the contributions of Athenians who have made an impact on our community at our Social Justice Awards. We also celebrated our one-year anniversary at the AADM Justice Center & Bookstore, where we continued to offer our weekly Art for Justice class every Saturday from 3pm to 5pm, welcoming our newest instructor, Cedric!
We’d like to give a big thanks to our sponsors – thanks to your generous support, we’ve been able to do all of the above and much more! We’d also like to thank our Board members, dedicated staff and volunteers who kept everything running smoothly as we navigated these waves and helped us create the change we want to see in the world. If you’re interested in joining The Movement, you can sign up as a volunteer.
We’ll be taking a small break for the remainder of the year, but we’ll see you all again in January at the 7th annual MLK Day Parade and Music Fest! We’re excited for what 2022 has in store!