Our History
Our History
History of the Athens Area Human Relations Council
Our History
The Athens Area Human Relations Council was founded by Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. in 1979. ***His idea was to implement a series of programs designed to keep the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King alive. He asked the members of his local chapter (Eta Iota Lambda) of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to accept the idea as a service project in honor of their late brother, Dr. Martin Luther King. The members encouraged him to move forward with the programs and to serve as the chairman of the committee. The purpose was to organize activities, recognize the contributions of individuals from the Athens area who had done outstanding service for humanity and to implement a youth program, a scholarship program, an Ecumenical, and a Leadership program. These programs would foster the philosophy and dreams held by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during his lifetime—universal brotherhood, respect for all races of mankind, and the spread of love and non-violent social change as well as peaceful co-existence throughout the world.
Rev. Nunnally sought and found others who were dedicated to keeping these goals and dreams alive. During this time period, four annual events were sponsored: the Ecumenical Service to honor Dr. King, the Adult Leadership Conference, the Youth Rally, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Leadership Seminar. These activities were carefully designed to bridge the gap that existed between the races in the Classic City. The scholarships and the service awards were presented during the Ecumenical Service and were awarded to the most qualified candidate regardless of race, creed or color. Ebenezer Baptist Church West provided the meeting places for all events for the first three years. During the 1982-1983 years, two important additions were made which were destined to shape the future of the Human Relations Council - the establishment of a Human Relations Awards Banquet and the inclusion of members from ten different counties in Northeast Georgia. These two changes helped to create a broader range of candidates for the awards given by the Council. Later on, Rowena McCoy would go on to suggest that the Youth Rally be changed to the name Youth Pow-Wow.
The Original Founders of the Athens Area Human Relations Council were Jessie Barnett, Ileane Nunnally, Rosa Rittenberry, Lady Long, Melissa Tate, Henry Morse, Dr. Winfred M. Hope, Mayor Lauren Coile, and Dr. Ronald Schoeffler. Active Members of Eta Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in 1979 were David H. Nunnally, Sr., Milton Hill, Walter V. Jackson, Hugh Goodrum, Wilber Jones, Lamar Kidd, James Holston, Sr., James Alford, Jr., James McCoy, John W. Townsend, Jr., Robert Harrison, Joseph Greene, Kenneth Dious, Willie E. Walker, Ambrose McDow, Marion Stroud, and Edward Shelton.
*** There was a previous group in Athens named the Human Relations Council which had long since disbanded by the time Rev. Nunnally founded the AAHRC.
The First Banquet
The first Human Relations Council Banquet was held in 1982 at fellowship hall of First A.M.E. Church where the Rev. Roosevelt Morris was pastor. Dr. John W. Townsend was the keynote speaker. The title of his speech, “What Color is a Dream?”, was in line with the spirit and ideas of the Council. His speech was captivating and maintained that all people are brothers and sisters and only the weak are separated by color and race. The meal that evening was Fried Chicken, English Peas, Cream Potatoes, Rolls, Apple Pie, Punch and Coffee. The price per person was three dollars. Some people ate without paying. The cooks for the occasion were Ms. Sarah Jones and Mr. Willie Robinson who volunteered their services. The manager of Bell’s Food Market helped to make it possible for Rev. Nunnally to purchase the food. He got the food supply on credit because the Council had no money to make the purchase. With the encouragement of Dr. Ronald Schoeffler, Rev. Nunnally moved forward in making the meal he had planned a reality. When asked about the first banquet Rev. Nunnally quickly points out, “There were doubters who feared that the banquet would be a failure, too big of a task to be successful. I knew with God’s goodness and the many ambitious people behind the idea of unity and goodwill, this project would be a success. Dr. Ronald Schoeffler and I prayed about this many a night. We knew it could only be a success.” The event was well attended and the crowd of over two hundred fifty inspired the leadership to dream even bigger.
Past Presidents of the Athens Area Human Relations Council
Key Events in AAHRC History
(1979 - 1987)
- The Athens Area Human Relations Council was founded in 1979.
- 1st Ecumenical Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. held; the 1st scholarship would later be awarded at this service, with each scholarship being $100.
- A series of events are implemented including an Ecumenical Service, Adult Leadership Conference, and Youth Rally.
- In 1982, the first awards banquet is held at First A.M.E. Church.
(1987 - 1996)
- 1st fund-raising campaign is started to cover event expenses.
- For the 1st time, scholarships are awarded at the banquet instead of the Ecumenical Service.
- The Council incorporates and later receives recognition from government as being a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
- The banquet number exceeds capacity and is moved from the fellowship hall of First A.M.E. to the UGA Georgia Center.
- The Council is successful in having Water St. and Hobson St. renamed MLK Parkway.
(1996 - 2003)
- 1st proclamation is issued from mayor acknowledging Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s contributions to society and proclaiming a MLK Jr. Day in Athens-Clarke County.
- The banquet number again exceeds capacity and is moved from the UGA Georgia Center to the Classic Center in Downtown Athens.
(2003 - 2011)
- 1st female is elected as president.
- A series of events are implemented including Community Clean-ups, Teen Summit, and Parent Forum.
- Creation of the council website and e-mail is commissioned.
- The council travels to Selma, Alabama where it is presented the Key to the City by Mayor James Perkins.
- The Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. Founder's Award is implemented.
(2011 - 2019)
- The Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. Scholarship is implemented.
We need your support!
Your kind donation to the AAHRC will surely go toward our Mission of "promoting a better quality of life for all mankind."
DONATE