What to expect from Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement 2017
AADM launch an in-house Civil Rights Council
2016 has been an exciting and productive year for the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM). In less than a year, the organization has made a positive impact campaigning for an Athens Civil Rights committee and in launching a series of programs to educate and advocate for racial and social justice.
AADM organized its first march to protest discriminatory behavior in downtown Athens on the 2016 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Since then, AADM lead organizer, Mokah-Jasmine Johnson and her team have developed innovative strategies and programs addressing discrimination within Athens Clarke County. These include the launching of the “Athens United Against Discrimination” sticker campaign, a series of “Know Your Rights” workshops, the Athens Black Market, and a Teen Social Justice program. In addition to organizing events to break racial barriers and encourage diversity, AADM co-produced, with founder Pat Priest, “Athens in Harmony”, a concert partnering diverse artists and musical styles to further integrate our community. Now, AADM has developed another Athens’ first: the Inaugural MLK Day Parade Monday, January 16, 2017 to celebrate the work and legacy of Dr. King.
Moving forward in 2017, AADM will commence an in-house Civil Rights Council to monitor and provide assistance to anyone who has experienced discrimination in our community. This new task team is made of legal and social justice professionals who will begin to collect, monitor, and analyze data relating to allegations of discrimination or harassment. In addition, the Council will offer assistance, guidance and offer legal resources.
While the Athens Clarke County Mayor and Commission are assessing the development of a citizens committee, Mokah believes that the AADM Civil Rights Council is necessary to provide an immediate and effective path for citizens to get help locally. Starting January 1st 2017, AADM Civil Rights Council will fill in the gap by providing direct assistance to individuals who may have been discriminated against or treated unfairly. ACR Task team will work with organizations such a Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, and more. AADM hopes to work with Athens Clarke County Unified Government to ensure that all citizens’ rights are protected.
Local residents can now go online to www.aadmovement.org to tell their story’s by completing a discrimination survey or find out more information about Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement. For more information, feel free to contact Mokah Jasmine Johnson at (678) 835 8497