FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2022
Athens Day of Jubilee Celebration & Baldwin Hall Gathering
On May 4, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Clarke County and freed an estimated 5,000 slaves. The feed slaves hosted an American flag up the flagpole in front of Athens Town Hall and danced around the flagpole of liberty. Today community members and leaders will celebrate this occasion and honor the area’s African-American ancestors, especially those whose remains were discovered during the renovation of Baldwin Hall in 2015.
“We wanted to honor our ancestors that never received proper burial or never received equal or fair treatment and we look at this as an opportunity to educate our youth as well,” that’s according to Mokah Jasmine Johnson, Co-founder of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement.
Johnson says Juneteenth celebrations cover a number of dates.
“Our day of freedom for the slaves happened on May 4th here in Athens. They ran to City Hall, the City Hall where we have our meetings, so that’s why it’s a significant date. It’s important for everybody to understand Juneteenth, or the day that slaves were freed, happened at different times. It didn’t’ happen in June for everyone.”
The UGA Baldwin Hall Slaves Remains Vigil & Rally will begin at 5:00 pm followed by a gathering at the UGA Arch at 6:00 p.m.
From there, marchers will make their way to City Hall for the celebration, including music, speakers, and poetry. Those who do not wish to march are welcome to meet at City Hall.
Lora Smothers, owner of Joy Village will co-host the Day of Jubilee Celebration at Athens City Hall, which will include guest speakers, dancing, and much more.
At 7pm, the festivities will conclude.
Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement
Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) is a grassroots, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2016 and based in Athens, Georgia. The group aims to combat discrimination through education and activism. For more information visit www.aadmovement.org, their Facebook @AADMovement, or their Twitter and Instagram @aadmovement706