Written by Denise Sunta & Christina Martin

2023 was a big year for the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM). The work that we have done to dismantle systems of oppression, whether in the criminal justice system, schools, or the corporate world, has made a lasting impact in our community. Thanks to our dedicated team of staff, committee members, volunteers, and Board, we’ve been able to cultivate constructive social change in Athens (and beyond) for all. We are so excited to share AADM’s 2023 accomplishments with you!

Read on to learn more about our 2023 impact or watch the video at the bottom of this article.

Dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline

The AADM has long advocated against the school-to-prison pipeline, a system that funnels primarily Black and Brown students from disadvantaged backgrounds into the criminal justice system due to harsh school and legal policies. In April of this year, the AADM brought together students, parents/guardians, educators, members of the juvenile justice system, and other community members at the annual End School to Prison Pipeline Conference to discuss just that. Speakers included an SPLC children’s rights lawyer, a CCSD educator trained in restorative justice policies, a developmental disabilities advocate, and the ACC Solicitor General. 

In addition to the ESTPP Conference, in 2023 the AADM provided mentorship, community service hours, and wrap-around services to 17 students who are either at risk of or have already been involved with the criminal justice system in the Athens-Clarke County area. We worked to meet these students where they were, and helped them visualize and build towards a future that excited them. At the close of this year, we still have 9 current students; one is studying to take the GED, another is launching their own clothing line, and the others are meeting every Friday to engage in activities and field trips geared towards positive choices, personal development, and empowerment.

The AADM also hosted the “Teen Social Justice Youth Job & Travel Summer Camp” as a way for kids 13-16 years old to receive on-the-job training, earn money in positive ways, and make new connections with students and community leaders. 24 students participated this year free of cost. Through their chosen job position, students earned at least $10 per hour for up to 10 hours a week. We also provided travel opportunities during selected days during the summer. Some of the many experiences we provided were day trips to Sandy Creek Park and Fort Yargo, Escape the Room and Rush Athens, and Showtime Bowling. Furthermore, students also learned how to use their voices and some spoke at various events, including the Raising of the Juneteenth flag at Athens City Hall and a panel discussion about youth violence. 

At the end of the session, students hosted a talent show to showcase what they learned over the course of the 2 months and received certificates of completion. 

Advocating for a ‘just’ justice system

According to the ACLU, there are close to a million people incarcerated in jails pre-trial and many are there because they do not have the money to buy their freedom. The reality is some people, no matter how “low” their bonds may be set- are still unable to make a bond. We have seen individuals with bonds as low as $10.00 who are sitting in jail, and would continue to sit there, if not for AADM. Loss of freedom for any period of time can put a number of things in jeopardy, including homes, jobs, relationships, as well as one’s emotional and mental state. 

As of 12/11/23, the AADM has posted bond for 28 people incarcerated in jails in the Athens-Clarke County area. We review requests on a case-by-case basis and work with community partners like the Athens Public Defender’s Office, Oconee Street Methodist Church, and the Athens Area Homeless Shelter to alleviate the financial pressure that comes with criminal charges, incarceration, and sentencing.

The AADM also takes into consideration the immediate needs of clients once their bond is posted. In 2023, we provided close to $850 in transportation fees, over $1,000 in transitional housing, and $1,050 towards in-patient treatment program entry fees. We also assist people with fines & fees associated with their legal cases after it has been resolved, regardless of whether we assisted them with bail. In 2023, the AADM provided close to $800 towards probation fees, drivers’ license reinstatement fees, and court-mandated classes. Additionally, our community service program provides opportunities centered around social justice and community empowerment, whether it is a court-mandated or a school/club requirement. This year, we’ve had 13 people graduate from our community service program and are still assisting 6 others to reach their goals.

In addition to working within the criminal justice system, we also use our voices and right to assembly to inspire change. In April 2023, the AADM held a “Rally for Justice Reform” to bring awareness to the issues within the criminal justice system and call our community to action. A crowd formed around Athens City Hall and heard from members of the AADM, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Georgia Conflict Center, GALEO, Economic Justice Coalition, United Campus Workers, and many more on topics concerning youth violence, substance abuse and mental health issues, and rates of recidivism. Each attendee received a list of resources and actions to take to advocate for justice reform, including joining community organizations, writing letters to elected officials, and educating others. 

Fighting against discrimination

Many of the individuals who reach out to the AADM feel helpless for resolution and need someone to be their voice. They want their voices heard and AADM works to bring awareness to their various issues. Over the course of 2023, the AADM has worked with 62 different clients to resolve their complaints with their schools, workplaces, streets, landlords, and our jail. We have 9 ongoing clients, but are proud to have resolved or referred out 53 clients to trusted resources.

The AADM regularly deals with many different problems including racial discrimination, issues in our jail, and issues on our streets. Most recently AADM worked with Willie Green who was a victim of racial discrimination also at his place of business by ACCPD officers. AADM published Mr. Green’s story in the Flagpole Magazine and are continuing to provide support to him as he fights for justice. We also worked with an LGBTQ+ community member who suffered harassment by a Clarke County police officer at her own place of business. Ms. Clark reached out to AADM after filing her own complaint, following up with her own complaint, attempting to file a complaint with the county attorney’s office (but was turned down). AADM is currently waiting to hear the outcome of the investigation into this case. 

Another aspect of the organization is helping give voice to the concerns of those incarcerated in the ACC Jail. Many do not have regular contact with their public defenders and want to know when their court dates will be. It is a fact that in ACC the majority of incarcerated individuals are Black or brown, many unemployed, and a large number suffer from untreated mental health issues. These same people are the people who do not have people attend their bond hearings and most have court appointed legal aid. Employees of AADM know the effects our legal system has on the community and see firsthand the effects of incarceration in our community. We have also conducted extensive research and provide people with information such as the process before arraignment and how long they must wait for a bond to be requested if previously been denied. We have drafted a demand letter so that inmates can be brought to court in a timely manner if they are awaiting hearings in other counties. We provide court dates over the phone if they cannot reach their attorney to get their court dates. 

Educating and empowering our community

The AADM’s mission is to advocate for racial and social justice through both education and activism. In addition to the programs and services we provide, we also host workshops, trainings, and events designed to dismantle patterns of oppression in our community and empower its members with knowledge and skills. This year, we launched our anti-racist trainings and consultations, designed to deliver professional training, consultation, and resources to support individuals or organizations striving for racial justice and equity. We also hosted monthly community discussions this year based on topics relevant to our community. In March, we watched the 1619 Project series on Hulu and discussed the many ways in which the legacy of slavery impacts different aspects of our lives. Over the summer, we hosted a discussion with #StopCopCity organizer Matthew Johnson, who gave each of us actionable items to support the movement in Atlanta. We also heard younger perspectives on youth violence inside and outside of school from a panel of members of our Teen Social Justice Club, and in October, we partnered with the Georgia Conflict Center to show “On These Grounds”, a documentary about the school-to-prison pipeline. 

Additionally, the AADM worked to encourage diversity and inclusion in our community  (as well as have some fun) through several “feel-good” type events, including:

• 2023 MLK Day Parade: AADM’s inaugural event…and by far our biggest one yet! In 2023, we had famous dance leagues, Black elder storytellers, music acts going late into the night, and of course, a fabulous parade snaking all the way through downtown Athens.
• 3 Athens Black Markets: A unique event offers a distinct space that wonderfully merges minority entrepreneurship with black culture and community and provides a marketplace for eager vendors waiting for a chance to showcase their products or services.
• Athens in Harmony: A benefit concert that pairs rock, hip-hop, gospel, soul, and other musicians across racial, ethnic, and other differences to sing a duet. The result is a joyful and heartfelt concert that ends in an audience sing-along of John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance”.
• Athens Stand Up Against Cop City: A musical benefit show co-hosted with Athens Against Cop City guest speaker Mokah Jasmine Johnson, headliners Gwap Dinero and Cassie Chantel, and support from T.W.I.N, Kenarri, and Foreign
• (Sponsored) Ball is Important 3-on-3 Tournament: A community basketball tournament for players of all ages and genders to throw down and have fun playing the game they enjoy.

Looking ahead…

2023 has been a busy year for the AADM, but we look forward to all that the new year has in store. With a heavy focus on education, we will work hard to bring together community discussions, trainings, and workshops, like the Know Your Rights legal clinics. We’ll also be strengthening our programs, allowing for more students to receive mentorship and complete apprenticeships, more legal fees to be paid, and more people to be supported as they advocate for themselves and their rights. 

And, of course, our inaugural event, the Athens MLK Day Parade, will be held on Monday, January 15th, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm on the corner of Hull and Washington Streets in downtown Athens. Before the parade, we’ll host an encore of our 2023 Athens in Harmony on Sunday, January 14th from 6:30 pm-9:30 pm at The Foundry. We hope to see you there and wish you a happy holiday season!