about

About Us

About us

Our Organization

Who We Are

The AAHRC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization that is dedicated to furthering the ideals of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It offers opportunities that allow the community to come together without regard for race, age, profession, religion, etc. The main goals of the organization are as follows:

• Re-examine, initiate, and support actions designed to improve and bring harmony to multicultural relations in the Athens community and abroad.

• Provide a forum for concerned citizens to discuss, work together and render volunteer service to build better human relations in the community.

• Continually advocate and maintain the high idealism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which provides a framework for social justice to all humanity.

• Advocate actions to reduce violence in our homes, streets, and schools.

• Build relationships with individuals, groups, and organizations interested in promoting positive multicultural relations.

Founded in 1976 by Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr., the AAHRC has achieved notable success. AAHRC was successful in having Water Street and Hobson Street renamed MLK Parkway and in receiving the 1st proclamation from the mayor acknowledging Martin Luther King, Jr.’s contributions to society and proclaiming a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Athens, Clarke-County. During the past decade alone, the AAHRC has awarded numerous scholarships totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. In 2004, the AAHRC was presented the key to the city of Selma, AL by Mayor James Perkins.

Message from Our President

“Cultivating the Beloved Community”

"Throughout the years, we have heard numerous speeches and read many writings of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. However, none are as timely today as his concept of the Beloved Community. This concept was and still is far-reaching in its scope. It is a vision so broad that it encompasses every single human being on the planet."

"Let us ponder for a moment what our communities would be like if we would invest one quarter of our time cultivating them. Just imagine what we as a people could do if we would say of our neighbors, “He’s not heavy, he’s my brother.” We are at the threshold of a change that will be taking place in our country. It is time for us to sew the seeds that will have a positive impact on our homes, our neighborhoods and our nation."

"A reporter once asked me why I continue to work so hard in my community. I simply told her this, "Each day I do what I do because someone did it for me. We used to call it Passing it On. Now I believe they call it Paying it Forward." Whatever it is, we need to get others involved. Let us work together to cultivate our Beloved Community."

-Rev. Hattie Spruill Lawson, President

Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc.