Who We Are
The Athens-Clarke County Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures is a space for our community to connect to its past and strategize for the future. We are dedicated to uncovering and sharing the rich tapestry of Black history and culture, instilling hope through our past, and actively pursuing racial justice.
Our Mission
We exist to illuminate the rich and diverse histories of African Americans in Athens, Georgia and surrounding communities, to ignite a steadfast commitment to justice and truth-telling, and to inspire our youth to become architects of a fair and inclusive future.
2019
First Descendants of Linnentown gathered on October 19 forming The Linnentown Project. A few meetings later, The Linnentown Resolution for Recognition and Redress was drafted.
2020
Mayor Kelly Girtz established the Justice and Memory Project, holding its first virtual meeting on September 2, 2020.
2021
The Linnentown Resolution for Recognition and Redress adopted by Athens-Clarke County Unified Government February 16, 2021
2022
The Athens-Clarke County Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures was incorporated on September 9, and the organization achieved 501(c)(3) status on November 14.
2023
The Linnentown Lane official naming ceremony took place on September 21. The Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures meets regularly to establish our mission, goals, and plan for the future.
2024-2025
We aim to begin construction on our physical location on the Classic Center campus.
'Linnentown - The Musical'
‘Linnentown – The Musical’ is an original musical honoring the history of Linnentown. Written by Hattie Whitehead Thomas, a First Descendent of Linnentown, the musical debuted this past spring at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia. (Photo/Nava Rawls)
South Finley Street renamed 'Linnentown Lane' to commemorate Athens neighborhood
Bobby Crook held up a 52-year-old Polaroid of his mother as he stood in front of the new “Linnentown Lane” street sign, posed next to his former neighbors from Linnentown.
“I never thought I’d even see this day, and I wanted her to see it, too,” Crook said.
About Linnentown
“Linnentown” or sometimes “Lyndontown,” was a place where black families were beginning to build up wealth and assets through stable (albeit low paying) jobs and property ownership. They were laying bricks for a black middle class. That is, until it was razed by the University of Georgia and the City of Athens.
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