Saturday School sessions are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., with programming scheduled through June and beyond. Each session offers specialized training and educational opportunities:

• May: Partnering with Pathwise – Career and Workplace Readiness

• June: Saturday Youth Camp

• July–September: Topics under planning

AADM is actively seeking instructors and guest speakers to lead sessions and share expertise with participants. Interested individuals should email admin@aadmovement.org for more information.

“This program is about giving our community the resources and training they need to advocate for themselves and others,” said Mokah Jasmine Johnson, founder of AADM. “From youth camps to advocacy workshops, Saturday School is a space where education meets action, and participants leave ready to make a difference.”

AADM also plans to expand sessions outside of Athens to reach more communities, with additional sessions aimed at youth, parents, and community organizers. Community members and advocates interested in attending or supporting Saturday School can contact AADM at admin@aadmovement.org or for more information Click Here.

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY – APRIL 11TH -10:00 -11:30AM

We invite you to take part in a critical training opportunity: End the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Training for Advocates

This session is designed to equip community members, advocates, parents, and leaders with the tools and knowledge to challenge systems that push our youth out of schools and into the criminal justice system.

You’ll learn:

• How the school-to-prison pipeline operates

• Your rights and the rights of students

• Strategies for advocacy and intervention

• How to support youth and families directly impacted

This work is urgent—and it starts with education, awareness, and collective action.

REGISTER NOW

EVENTS & NEW MEETING SCHEDULE

NEW AADM MEETING SCHEDULE (In-Person at Georgia Square Mall | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM):

1st Mondays – Housing Justice & Affordable Housing
We will focus on tenant rights, housing stability, local policy solutions, and organizing around the growing housing crisis in our community.

3rd Mondays – Jail & Policing Issues
After a year of limited capacity in this area, we are intentionally creating space to rebuild and relaunch our work around jail conditions, policing practices, and accountability.

For the past two years, we’ve combined these efforts—but we’ve learned that each issue deserves dedicated time, strategy, and leadership. This shift allows us to go deeper, build stronger teams, and move more effectively toward real change.

We are entering a new phase of organizing—more focused, more strategic, and rooted in community power.

We encourage you to plug in, stay engaged, and invite others to join the movement.

In solidarity,
Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM)

March Highlights

It started with civic engagement.

At the Commissioner Candidate Town Hall , the room held more than candidates, it held questions, concerns, and a community demanding clarity. Residents came not just to listen, but to engage, to challenge, and to better understand the decisions shaping their daily lives. These spaces matter because they remind us that democracy is not passive, it is participatory.

Read more…

Saturday School: From Jail to ICE Detention
Education is power. This month’s session broke down how the pipeline from local jails to immigration detention impacts families—and what we can do to stop it. Together, we learned our rights, explored solutions, and built strategies for protection.

Women’s Fest at Dudley Park
We closed out the month with joy, connection, and restoration. Women’s Fest was a beautiful day of wellness, community, and celebration of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. A moment to breathe, reflect, and pour back into ourselves.

Don’t Miss What’s Next: April

April is about consistency, community, and continuing the work.

April 7th, 2026

Affordable Housing Rally - Athens City Hall, 5:30PM.
Be part of the strategy. From affordable housing to jail accountability, we’re building real solutions together, one meeting at a time. .

April 12th, 2026: Saturday School – End School-to-Prison Pipeline (ESTPP) Advocates Training.

This hands-on training is designed to equip individuals with the tools to navigate school systems, understand discipline policies, and advocate for themselves and others. Every 2nd Saturday, we create space for participants to not just learn, but to step into leadership. 10:00-11:30AM.

Click here to register.

Event Info and Registration

This Is Your Invitation

If you’ve been watching from the outside, this is your moment to step in.

Come learn.
Come connect.
Come build.

Because there is a place for you in it.

Nearly four thousand people came out for NO KINGS protests in District 10. In Athens, people came to each of the seven sites to wave signs and join together in pro-democracy unity. Later they came together at Bishop Park for the Democracy Fair, signing up and engaging as patriots for democracy.”

What’s Next?

Many voters stay home and don’t vote during the primaries. We need to change that! We were successful last year in getting voters out for the Public Service Commission. We must do it again. The Indivisible Georgia Coalition can help you learn how to inform your friends and neighbors about this important election that could decide Georgia’s future. Sign up to attend a Zoom on April 16 from 7-8:30pm to see what you can do to help. Register here.

HELP KEEP THE MOVEMENT ALIVE BY MAKING A DONATION.

Now is the time to build and strengthen our relationships. To remain visible, connect with your neighbors, build community, and create the networks we’ll need to resist fascism and the takeover of our freedoms.”

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

March 9 – Athens Commissioner Candidates Town Hall & Meet and Greet
5:30–7:30 PM
ACC Library, 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, GA

March 14 – Saturday School Series:
From Jail to Detention Centers: How the Pipeline Works
10:00–11:30 AM
Oconee Street Location.

www.aadmovement.org/events/saturday-school

March 16 – AADM Community Organizing Meeting
Hosted by the Justice and Accountability Committee

5:30-7:00 Georgia Square Mall

March 22 – Women’s Empowerment Fest
12:00–4:00 PM

Dudley Park Location. Vendoring opportunities available. Seeking female speakers and performers. www.aadmovement.org/events/womens-fest

CALL TO ACTION

Contact Sheriff John Q. Williams

Show your support by calling or emailing Sheriff’s Office
Phone: 706-613-3250 Email address: John.Williams2@accgov.com

We respectfully request consideration of in-person visitation starting with:

• Mother’s Day

• Father’s Day

• Christmas

Holiday visitation would:

• Provide meaningful family contact

• Demonstrate compassion toward families

• Serve as a pilot program for future expansion

Even a few opportunities each year for families to see one another in person would make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, parents, and loved ones in our community.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT. GET INVOLVED. VOLUNTEER. DONATED

March is Women’s History Month, a month-long celebration dedicated to honoring the contributions of women to history, culture, and society. In that spirit, we are proud to host Women’s Fest: Business, Wellness & Justice and open applications for the 2026 Women’s Wellness & Justice Leadership Cohort — a program designed to support women in growing as leaders while prioritizing wellness and personal development.

Join us for a powerful day dedicated to celebrating women in business, wellness, and social justice. Women’s Fest is a community space to celecase, connect, rest, and reflect while uplifting women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

Featuring:

• Women Vendors & Entrepreneurs

• Live Performances

• Inspiring Speakers

• Community Connection

Interactive Spaces:

• Wellness Tent – Rest, self-care, and healing resources

• Business Resource Tent – Tools and support for entrepreneurs

• Social Action Resource Tent – Advocacy and community organizing resources

Vendor & Presenter Opportunities Available
Limited Space – Reserve Early

Recommended Time:
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
(Perfect for families, community engagement, and peak park activity)

Come experience a day to celebrate, showcase, rest, and reflect together.

For vendor applications and information:

REGISTER

Join the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement for an elegant and inspiring Social Justice Awards & Gala on February 28, 2026, during Black History Month. Celebrate ten years of action, resistance, and community power while honoring the leaders shaping a more just Athens. Your ticket helps sustain AADM’s ongoing advocacy and impact.

Grab Your Tickets

The Social Justice Awards & Gala is more than an event—it is a celebration of AADM’s accomplishments and a tribute to the advocates, educators, organizers, and leaders whose work has shaped a more just and equitable Athens. The evening will honor awardees whose dedication, courage, and impact continue to uplift our community and move justice forward.

Guests can expect an elegant and inspiring experience featuring meaningful recognitions, community connection, live entertainment and more. By purchasing a ticket, attendees directly support AADM’s FREEDOM FUND, while standing alongside those being honored for their leadership and service.

In honor of Black History Month the gala will feature authentic food and live music rooted in Black traditions, honoring the cultural legacy that has shaped movements for justice, resistance, and liberation.

The February 28, 2026 Social Justice Awards & Gala is a moment to celebrate ten years of impact, recognize those doing the work, contribute to a good cause, and recommit ourselves to justice, equity, and community power.

What to Expect

5:30 PM – VIP Reception
VIP guests are invited to an exclusive pre-gala reception featuring early access, special recognition, and an elevated networking experience.

6:00 PM – Doors Open to the General Public
Guests arrive to a vibrant red carpet experience, photo opportunities, and an atmosphere filled with celebration and purpose.

Live Entertainment
Enjoy dynamic live performances that reflect the culture, creativity, and spirit of the community.

Dinner Experience
A thoughtfully prepared meal will be served as guests gather, connect, and celebrate together.

Social Justice Awards Ceremony
The heart of the evening—honoring outstanding advocates, educators, organizers, and leaders whose work continues to advance equity and justice in Athens.

And More…
Surprises, moments of reflection, and opportunities to support AADM’s mission throughout the night.

Tickets are now available, and the community is encouraged to join us for an evening that celebrates excellence, honors leadership, and fuels the next decade of justice in Athens.

Grab Your Tickets

I was not alive in 1963, but I live with the consequences of that moment every day.

When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. declared “I have a dream,” he was not offering poetry for applause or words to be recycled once a year. He was naming a moral crisis and calling everyday people into responsibility. That speech was never meant to be frozen in time. It was meant to be carried.

And today, the dream is no longer just a vision spoken from a podium — it is a question placed in our hands.

Yes, We’ve Made Progress — And No, That’s Not the Whole Story

I often hear people say, “Things are better now.” In some ways, they are. We see Black excellence in spaces that were once locked tight. We see success, creativity, leadership, and innovation. Those wins matter. They should be acknowledged.

But progress does not cancel history.

Doing better does not mean the damage has been repaired. It does not mean the pain has been addressed. It does not mean the systems that created inequality have been transformed.

You cannot measure justice solely by who survived.

The Past Is Not Gone — It’s Built Into the Present

The conditions many communities are still navigating today did not happen by accident. They are the result of intentional choices: who was protected, who was policed, who was invested in, and who was extracted from.

When we ignore that truth, we shift the burden from systems to individuals. We praise people for “overcoming” while refusing to examine what they were forced to overcome in the first place.

That is not healing. That is avoidance.

Critical thinking asks us to sit with discomfort long enough to tell the truth — not to assign guilt, but to take responsibility for what still needs to change.

Success Stories Don’t Erase Collective Wounds

Representation matters, but representation alone is not liberation.

A few doors opening does not mean the house is accessible. A handful of success stories does not negate generational loss, trauma, or grief. It does not erase stolen wealth, shortened lifespans, or communities destabilized by policy, neglect, and violence.

We can celebrate achievement and acknowledge injustice. Those truths are not enemies they are partners.

The Dream Was a Call to Action, Not a Conclusion

The dream was never about comfort. It was about courage.

It asked people to imagine a society rooted in dignity — and then do the hard work of building it. That work looks different today, but it is no less urgent. It shows up in housing, healthcare, education, environmental justice, and who gets to feel safe in public spaces.

The dream did not expire. It evolved.

And now, it lives in what we choose to confront, what we choose to protect, and how we choose to show up for one another.

Community Is Where the Dream Becomes Real

Justice is not built in isolation. It is practiced in community — in shared spaces where history is honored, culture is celebrated, and relationships are strengthened.

That is why gatherings like the Athens MLK Parade and Music Fest, held in Downtown Athens, Georgia, matter.

Register

These moments remind us that the dream is not just something we quote — it is something we live. When we come together across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs, we affirm that our future is collective.

Come for the music, the joy, and the culture. Stay for the connection, the reflection, and the reminder that progress requires participation. The dream didn’t end with a speech. It changed hands.

And what we do with it now, that part is on us.

Mokah Jasmine Johnson— Mokah Speaks

AADM Executive Director and Co-founder

Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural celebration observed from December 26 through January 1, created to honor African heritage, strengthen community bonds, and reaffirm shared values rooted in African traditions. Established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is guided by the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles, which emphasize unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Each day of Kwanzaa centers one principle, symbolized through the lighting of the Kinara, a seven-candle holder with red, black, and green candles representing the people, the struggle, and the future.

This year, the Athens Kwanzaa Alliance comes together to celebrate Kwanzaa through a powerful series of educational, cultural, and creative events designed to uplift voices, honor leadership, and invest in the future.

What to Expect: Kwanzaa in Athens (Dec 26 – Jan 1)

Friday, December 26 – Umoja (Unity)

Theme: Cultural Competence Strategies for Community Advancement
Location: First AME Church, 521 Hull St, Athens, GA
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

The celebration opens with Umoja, the principle of unity, emphasizing togetherness within family, community, and nation. The evening features guest speakers from Hive Mind Investment Cooperative and Jennine Labuzan-Delane, with food provided by Dawg Gone BBQ. This gathering sets the tone for collective healing, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Saturday, December 27 – Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

Theme: Shining a Spotlight on the Voices of Our Youth
Location: Athens Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter St, Athens, GA
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Kujichagulia calls for defining and speaking for ourselves. This event centers youth voices and empowerment, reminding the community that self-determination begins early.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Christina Hylton, presenting Education as a Healing Practice.

Sunday, December 28 – Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Theme: Community Conversations with Athens’ Mayoral Candidates
Location: Athens Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter St, Athens, GA
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Ujima emphasizes solving problems together and building a stronger community through shared responsibility. This open forum invites residents to engage directly with local leadership.
Co-hosts: Kirrena Gallagher and Rick Dunn.

Tuesday, December 30 – Nia (Purpose)

Theme: Children’s Reading and Craft Program
Location: Athens Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter St, Athens, GA
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Nia focuses on collective purpose and building a future rooted in community uplift. This family-friendly event nurtures imagination and learning in children.
Storytime Lead: Dr. Freda Giles.

Wednesday, December 31 – Kuumba (Creativity)

Theme: Fashion Show, Community Potluck, and Live Performances
Location: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 780 Timothy Rd, Athens, GA
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The celebration culminates with Kuumba, honoring creativity as a tool for liberation and expression. The evening features art, fashion, food, and live performances that reflect the vibrancy of the community.
Mistress of Ceremonies: Mokah Johnson.

Why Kwanzaa Matters

Kwanzaa is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. It invites reflection, restoration, and recommitment to values that sustain liberation movements and community care. Through education, dialogue, creativity, and intergenerational engagement, Kwanzaa reinforces the idea that culture is not just remembered—it is lived.

As Athens gathers to observe Kwanzaa, the community affirms its commitment to unity, justice, wellness, and collective progress—carrying these principles beyond the seven days and into the year ahead.

Harambee!

Grab your tickets and join us for an unforgettable night. Social Justice Awards & Gala Nominations Now Open!

Nominations Now Open

Nominations Now Open
AADM is now accepting nominations for the Social Justice Awards & Gala, recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and courage have advanced justice and equity in our community. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for those making meaningful impact.

SUBMIT NOMINATION

Event Details

Social Justice Awards & Gala

• Date: January 15, 2026

• Time: 6:00–9:00 PM

• Location: Indigo Hotel, Athens, GA

• Attire: Red carpet — Black attire. Dress to impress

Tickets Are Limited
Tickets for the gala are limited and expected to sell out. Reserve your seat today and join us in celebrating 10 years of justice, resilience, and community power.

GET TICKETS | SUBMIT A NOMINATION | REGISTER FOR THE PARADE & MUSIC FEST

Since the start of this year, the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) has stepped up to help families and individuals in crisis, providing over $15,000 in hotel vouchers or donations for temporary housing to over 50 families and offering bail support for more than 20 individuals in our community through our FREEDOM FUND.

These numbers represent real people, mothers, fathers, children, and neighbors, who found themselves facing homelessness, eviction, or incarceration with nowhere to turn. In Athens, Georgia, the housing crisis continues to grow as rent prices rise faster than wages, and incarceration rates remain disproportionately high among marginalized populations.

At AADM, we believe everyone deserves a safe place to sleep and a fair chance to rebuild. While we continue to advocate for policy changes that address housing discrimination, renters’ rights, and criminal justice reform, we also know that immediate help saves lives. That’s why we’ve created AADM Rent Parties, a creative and community-driven way to raise funds and awareness for those who need emergency assistance right now.

What Is a Rent Party?

The concept of a rent party isn’t new, it has deep roots in Black history and community culture. In the 1920s Harlem Renaissance, neighbors would host lively gatherings with music, dancing, and food to help each other pay rent and stay afloat. These events became symbols of solidarity, resilience, and self-determination.

AADM is reviving that same spirit today, blending art, activism, and purpose to help prevent homelessness and keep Athens families housed.

The First AADM Rent Party Kickoff

Our first Rent Party kicks off on Friday, November 15th, 2025, hosted by local artist and activist Broderick Flanagan, on his birthday! This event will bring together community members, musicians, and advocates for an unforgettable night of celebration and impact.

But this is just the beginning, the AADM Rent Party Series will continue throughout the year, and we’re inviting others to host their own Rent Parties or celebrations to support our housing and justice programs.

Why We Need Your Support

Funding for our emergency housing and justice programs is running low, and we need your help to continue this vital work. Our goal is to raise $25,500 to sustain our FREEDOM FUND, enabling us to offer Hotel Voucher and Eviction Prevention Fund, ensuring that no one in Athens has to face homelessness or incarceration alone.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward:

• Providing hotel stays for families with nowhere else to go.

• Offering rental and eviction prevention assistance to stop homelessness before it happens.

• Supporting bail relief and re-entry services for those caught in the cycle of incarceration.

• Advocating for policy reforms that protect renters and restore fairness in our local systems.

How You Can Get Involved

• Donate to the Rent Party Fund and help us reach our $25,500 goal.

• Host your own Rent Party : AADM will provide you with a toolkit to help make it fun, easy, and impactful.

• Spread the word on social media and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join the movement.

Together, we can party with purpose: using joy, art, and music as tools for justice.

Let’s keep Athens families housed, supported, and free.

Learn more, donate, or sign up to host a Rent Party:
Click Here https://givebutter.com/aadmrentpartyseries

In every thriving community, small businesses are the heartbeat that keeps local economies alive. But for Black and minority entrepreneurs, the path to success often comes with added barriers — limited access to funding, fewer networking opportunities, and systemic inequities that make growth harder to achieve. Supporting these businesses isn’t just about shopping local; it’s about investing in equity, empowerment, and generational wealth.

When we spend our dollars with Black and minority-owned businesses, we help close the racial wealth gap, strengthen our neighborhoods, and keep culture and creativity alive. These entrepreneurs bring innovation, resilience, and community-centered values that enrich our collective future.

That’s why initiatives like the Athens Black Market and the Black Entrepreneurs Empowerment (BEE) Network are so vital. They create spaces where minority business owners can connect, showcase their products, and access the tools and support they need to thrive. Every purchase, every referral, and every partnership helps build a more inclusive economy where everyone has a fair shot at success.

Let’s continue to uplift and support the Athens Black Market and the BEE Network — because when Black and minority businesses rise, our entire community rises with them.

10 years ago, it was rare to see Black joy and excellence celebrated in the heart of Downtown Athens. But almost a decade later, through the vision and persistence of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM), our culture now shines boldly in the open on the streets, in the markets, and in the hearts of our community.

Now, we invite you to join AADM in celebrating Culture, Community & Black Excellence!

AADM is proud to host a series of cultural experiences that uplift Black and minority entrepreneur’s voices, businesses, and heritage across Northeast Georgia. Don’t miss your chance to participate:

Athens Black Market & Block Party – November 1
Become a vendor or support Black and minority-owned businesses, enjoy live music, and connect with your community in downtown Athens.

Athens MLK Parade & Music Fest – January 19
Celebrate culture, unity, and creativity with a parade, live performances, and community festivities.

Northeast Georgia Black Business Expo – November 15
Discover local Black-owned businesses, network, and support economic empowerment across our region.

Why Participate:

• Celebrate and preserve Black culture and heritage

• Support local businesses and artists

• Build community connections and experience history in action

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and be part of a movement that continues to transform Athens—one celebration, one business, one moment of unity at a time.

This milestone celebration will feature live music, art, food trucks, and a bustling marketplace filled with unique vendors showcasing fashion, beauty, handcrafted goods, artwork, and a celebration.

Calling All Vendors!
Be part of history and showcase your products to a supportive, high-energy crowd. Spots are limited — secure your space and join a movement that celebrates culture and economic empowerment.

Vendors click below to secure your spot by October 28th.

Vendors Registration

Special Launch:
During this unforgettable day, we will also officially launch the BEE Network — a powerful initiative to Build, Empower, and Elevate Black entrepreneurs and community leaders. Learn how to connect, collaborate, and grow with a network designed to spark opportunity and collective success.

Seeking Sponsors for 2026!
As we celebrate a decade of impact, AADM is also looking ahead to an even bigger 2026 celebration. We are actively seeking sponsors and community partners to help bring to life an exciting year of events, including the Social Justice Awards & Gala, the Mlk Jr. Parade, and a citywide Music Festival. Partner with us to support advocacy, equity, and the next generation of leaders.

Sponsorship Opportunities

This free, family-friendly celebration will light up College Avenue Square and kick off a year of anniversary events. Come shop, dance, connect, and celebrate 10 years of advocacy, innovation, and impact with AADM!