This Saturday, October 19, Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) will be hosting their third Athens Black Market of 2024,
In addition to strengthening community ties and relationships to the Black Athenian community, these markets aim to help sustain cultural contributions that are the fabric of our diverse society.
Some of the city’s longest-standing businesses have been key vendors for this free downtown Athens event,
With the city’s legacy of Hot Corner, Black ownership in Athens has historically offered more enticing employment opportunities through higher pay and better treatment, along with fostering a culture of camaraderie and through the different stages of segregation, gentrification, and displacement the Black community has experienced throughout the history of post-slavery Athens.
AADM is an organization committed to advocating for justice for Black/racially- marginalized people in Athens, sparked by community mobilization against a downtown bar’s racist naming of an alcoholic drink in 2016. Over the past 8 years, AADM has utilized multiple avenues to demand for equity and recognition of Athens’s historical and ongoing mistreatment towards its Black residents. Some of the organization’s projects include: establishing investigation and accountability initiatives for the Athens Police Department, city council ordinances, and bail-out & rehabilitation programs for incarcerated individuals. The Athens Black Market plays a vital role in executing AADM’s mission; being intentional with bringing attention to Black businesses encourages a positive feedback loop of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and appreciation in the community. Receiving this kind of support will help build the confidence and resilience needed to continue the reformational work for a just and inclusive society.