Athens, GA. – On May 4th, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Clarke County and freed the 5,000 enslaved people of Athens, GA. This day became known as the “Day of Jubilee,” when the emancipated people hoisted an American flag up the flagpole in front of Athens’ Town Hall and danced in celebration around the “flagpole of liberty.”

In honor and celebration of this historical moment in history, and the African American ancestors that built and sustained the Athens community and UGA campus, the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) is hosting the Athens Day of Jubilee Vigil & Rally on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 at 6pm. 

The Day of Jubilee celebration will begin at Baldwin Hall, 6pm with a vigil and libation ceremony to honor and remember the unmarked graves of enslaved people unearthed during the construction near Baldwin Hall in 2015. 

The vigil and libation ceremony will be followed by a march to the UGA Arch for a rally and celebration with performances and guest speakers. Those who do not wish to march are welcome to meet at the UGA Arch at 7pm. 

Join us as we honor, remember and celebrate the lives and contributions of the African Americans in Athens, GA. The Athens Day of Jubilee Vigil & Rally will celebrate freedom and demand justice for the enslaved and for Black Lives. Guest speakers include Freda Giles, Linda Davis, and more..

In an effort to keep our community safe and healthy, all participants are encouraged to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. For more media inquiries or general information, please contact jasminejohnsonedu@gmail.com