The Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc. (AAHRC)

42nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Banquet

“The Urgency of Creating the Beloved Community”

~ Keynote Speaker ~

Ms. Deja Watkins Teacher, W.S. Hornsby Middle School of Augusta, GA & 2014 AAHRC Scholarship Recipient

Saturday, January 16, 2021 ▪ 5:00 pm - A Virtual Event - Athens, GA “The Urgency of Creating

“The Beloved Community” is a term that was first coined in the early days of the 20th century by the philosopher-theologian Josiah Royce, who founded the Fellowship of Reconciliation. However, it was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., also a member of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, who popularized the term and invested it with a deeper meaning which has captured the imagination of people of good will all over the world.

For Dr. King, The Beloved Community was not a lofty utopian goal to be confused with the raptur- ous image of the Peaceable Kingdom, in which lions and lambs coexist in idyllic harmony. Rather, The Beloved Community was for him a realistic, achievable goal that could be attained by a critical mass of people committed to and trained in the philosophy and methods of nonviolence.

Dr. King‟s Beloved Community is a global vision, in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. In the Beloved Community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and preju- dice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. In the Beloved Community, international disputes will be resolved by peaceful conflict-resolution and reconciliation of adversaries, instead of military power. Love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred. Peace with justice will prevail over war and military conflict.

Dr. King‟s Beloved Community was not devoid of interpersonal, group or international conflict. Instead he recognized that conflict was an inevitable part of human experience. But he believed that conflicts could be resolved peacefully and adversaries could be reconciled through a mutual, determined commitment to nonviolence. No conflict, he believed, need erupt in violence. And all conflicts in The Beloved Community should end with reconciliation of adversaries cooperating together in a spirit of friendship and goodwill.

An ardent student of the teachings of Mohandas K. Gandhi, Dr. King was much impressed with the Mahatma‟s befriending of his adversaries, most of whom professed profound admiration for Gandhi‟s courage and intellect. Dr. King believed that the age-old tradition of hating one‟s opponents was not only immoral, but bad strategy which perpetuated the cycle of revenge and retaliation. Only nonviolence, he believed, had the power to break the cycle of retributive violence and create lasting peace through reconciliation. the Beloved Community”

“...the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men.”

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The core value of the quest for Dr. King‟s Beloved Community was agape love. Dr. King distinguished between three kinds of love: eros, “a sort of aesthetic or romantic love”; philia, “affection between friends” and agape, which he described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all,” an “overflowing love which is purely spontaneous, unmotivated, groundless and creative”…”the love of God operating in the human heart.” He said that “Agape does not begin by discriminating between wor- thy and unworthy people…It begins by loving others for their sakes” and “makes no distinction between a friend and enemy; it is directed to- ward both…Agape is love seeking to preserve and create community.”

(Source: King Center for Non- Violent Social Change) ~ WORDS FROM THE PRESIDENT~

January 16, 2021

“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Another year has passed with many heart- retching events, but none gripped me more than the passing of our some of our founding Civil Rights Leaders on whose shoulders we stand. “Has anyone seen our old friends” Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, Rev. John Robert Lewis, Rev. Cindy Tindell “CT” Vivian, Representa- tive Elijah Cummings and Bruce Boynton? “Can you tell me where they’ve gone? They freed a lot of people but the good they die young. I just looked around and they were gone.” These excerpts taken from Dick Holler’s popular song provokes thoughts about our future as a people. When we think of these men, let us honor their memories by getting more involved in our communi- ties.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. often spoke about the “Beloved Community”. The King Center explained that his was a global vision in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. In the Beloved Community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. “Has anyone here seen my old friend Martin? Can you tell me where he is gone? He freed a lot of people but the good they die young. I just looked around and he was gone.”

When we think of King, Lowery, Lewis, Vivian, Cummings, and Boynton let us get an urgency to move forward with rapid speed. Let us honor their memories by getting involved in our communities. Let us work towards the vision of the fulfilling the vision that Dr. King believed could be attained. We have to be the continuum and the instruments by which this dream can become a reality.

Finally, as we enter a new year there is a ray of hope. Politically, there is a changing of the guards. Now more than ever in our history do we need to come together as one people moving towards fulfilling Dr. King’s vision of the “Beloved Community”. I believe that we have to come together for one cause, “the people cause”, simply because it is the right thing to do. See love. Speak love. Act love. Cultivate the Beloved Community!

Sincerely,

Hattie Spruill Lawson Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc.

Page 2 About the Human Relations Council

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Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc.

MEMBERSHIP ROSTER

Judge Charles Auslander Shirley Edwards Rev. Charlie Maddox Wesley Chenoweth, Jr. Charles A. Hendrix, Sr. Marvin J. Nunnally Danette Crawford Marilyn Howard Clark Scales Dr. John Davis Myers Howard Travis A. Williams Dr. Kathy Davis Rev. Hattie Lawson Justin Willoughby Tarsha Deadwyler Yyokkia Lawson Brandylon Jessica Witcher

OFFICERS

President: Hattie S. Lawson Vice-President: Wesley Chenoweth, Jr. Secretary: Marilyn Howard

Treasurer: Brandylon J. Witcher Asst. Secretary: Tarsha Deadwyler Parliamentarian: Charlie Maddox

LIFETIME MEMBER(S)

Jewel Barnett

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You are not forgotten, loved ones, Nor will you ever be As long as life shall last We will remember thee. We miss you now, our hearts are sore As time goes by, we‟ll miss you more Your loving smile, your gentle face No one can fill your vacant place

- The Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc.

Dedicated to the memory of our devoted members who have passed on before us. May God bless your memory…

Ileane L. Nunnally Willie Collins George Hester Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. William T. Hargrove, Sr. Helen Neal Joseph Miller Jordan LaRamon Durham Morene Williams Caldonia Pruitt Shelton Rowena McCoy Clifton Hoffman Kathryn Foster

Page 5 Past Presi Athens Area Human Rela

REV. DAVID H. NUNNALLY, SR. GEORGE HESTER WILLIAM T. HARGROVE, SR. (1979 - 1987) (1987 - 1996) (1996 - 2003)

HISTORY OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COUNCIL

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 in the Athens, . 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 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.

Page 6 dents of the tions Council, Inc.

HATTIE S. LAWSON DR. MELANIE JAMES MARVIN J. NUNNALLY (2003 - 2011) (2011-2016) (2016-2019)

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 Member 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.

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.

Page 7 About our Founder Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr.

(1929 - 2015)

There are few people who have had as much drive, determination and dedication as the late Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. Rev. Nunnally‟s commitment to his commu- nity spanned over 60 years beginning with his entrance into Tuskegee University. While there, he served as Leader & President of the Tuskegee Institute Red Cross Chapter, providing student volunteer services weekly. Although he abhorred violence, he was drafted into the Korean War and agreed to serve upon consulting the guidance of his men- tor, the education and civil rights giant Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. Upon returning to Athens he continued his involve- ment with the Red Cross, serving as secretary of the Athens Chapter under the guidance of Dean Tate. Afterwards he continued to work tirelessly, simultaneously volunteering in various capacities throughout Athens. One of 14 children, Rev. Nunnally was especially dedicated to youth and to education. He taught at both the Rosen- wald School and the E.D. Stroud School. He also served as the Athens representative for the NDEA Desegregation Insti- tute in 1957 and served as camp coordinator of the Phyllis Wheatley Association. In his later years, Rev. Nunnally served as a member of the Clarke County Board of Education, serving 10 years before stepping down due to health concerns. He could be found encouraging youth in his work with the Boy Scouts of America (an organization with which he was affiliated from 1961 until his death in 2015). He was one of the founding members of Athens area alumni chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and helped start a chapter on the UGA campus in 1969. Rev. Nunnally‟s volunteer efforts included the Butler Street YMCA, NE GA Advisory Committee, Athens Lions Club, Veterans of Foreign War, Georgia Human Relations Council, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Clarke County Heart Fund, March of Dimes, Heritage Nursing Home and the Reach Out & Touch Club among others. In 1979, Rev. Nunnally implemented a series of programs designed to keep the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. alive. He sought out others who had a similar vision. It was then that he founded the organization known as the Athens Area Human Relations Council (AAHRC). Perhaps the truest testament to Rev. Nunnally‟s character and persistence is the story of the organization‟s first banquet. Because the Council was in its infancy, there was no money to purchase food or to rent a banquet hall. Never one to be deterred, Rev. Nunnally approached the manager of Bells Food Market to explain the

Page 8 predicament and to see if he would allow him to get the food supply on credit. Knowing Rev. Nunnally‟s previous good works in the community, the manager simply turned to the cashier and said, “Give him anything he needs.” With the food in place, he went on to find a couple who volunteered to prepare the meal free of charge; and the pastor of First A.M.E. Church volunteered the church‟s fellowship hall as the banquet site. More than forty years later the AAHRC still hosts an annual banquet which is used to award scholarships to students and community service awards to volunteers. This is a powerful statement on what one can accomplish when one applies action to a hope and a dream. Rev. Nunnally was once questioned on his belief that it was never too late to do anything. He simply replied, “When you have too much time to do something, that just gives you more time to mess it up.” All told, Rev. Nunnally was the embodiment of all the attributes which one admires in a community leader. He constantly found new challenges and endlessly continued to give support to those in need.

Key Events in AAHRC History

(1979 - 1987)  The Athens Area Human Relations Council was founded in 1979  1st Ecumenical Service in honor of Martin Luther King held; the 1st scholarships 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.

(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 govt. as being a non-profit 501(c)3 organization  The banquet # 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 Martin Luther King, Jr.‟s contributions to society and proclaiming a MLK Jr. Day in Athens-Clarke County  The banquet# again exceeds capacity and is moved from the 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  1st pledge campaign is initiated to secure long-term donors  The Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. Founder‟s Award is implemented

(2011 - 2019)  The Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. Scholarship is implemented

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Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc.

The Athens Area Human Relations Council exists to provide community leadership, support, and direction for the development of educational and social programming addressing multi-cultural relations in our community.

Goals of the Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc.

The Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc. (AAHRC) is a non-profit community organization that is dedicated to furthering the ideals of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We offer opportunities that allow the community to come together without regard for race, age, profession, religion, etc. The main goals of our 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 volun- teer 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 pro- moting positive multicultural relations.

Page 10 Page 11 SPONSORS

Judges of Athens-Clarke County ~ Mr. Sterling Gardner ~

Page 12 Human Relations Council Events

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DEJA WATKINS Teacher, W.S. Hornsby Middle School

Deja Watkins is a native of Athens, Georgia. Born to Pastor Douglas and Shannon Watkins, she is a proud alumna of where she served as both Senior Class President and Homecoming Queen. In her senior year of high-school, Deja was selected into the prestigious membership and became a graduate of Youth Leadership Athens.

Upon graduating from Cedar Shoals, Ms. Watkins went on to study English Language and Literature at Savannah State University. At the start of her matriculation at Savannah State, she was crowned Miss Freshman 2014-2015, and during her senior year she went on to serve her institution as Miss Savannah State University 2017. Always taking time to serve others, Ms. Watkins is a devoted member of The National Council of Negro Women, The National Society of Leadership and Success, The National Education Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Currently, Ms. Watkins is the lead 8th grade English teacher at W.S. Hornsby Middle School in Augusta, Georgia. In addition to being a full-time teacher, Ms. Watkins is currently obtaining a Master of Arts in Teaching at Grand Canyon University. She is a firm believer of Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. In everything she does, she holds to her belief.”

Page 14 42nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Banquet

~Saturday, January 16, 2021 ~ 5:00 p.m.

Jessica Haynes Witcher, Presiding

Greetings…………………………………………………………………..… Rev. Charlie Maddox Athens Area Human Relations Council (AAHRC)

Dr. Xernona Thomas Superintendent, Clarke County School District

The Honorable Kelly Girtz Mayor, Athens-Clarke County

Occasion…………………………………………………………………..…. Shirley Edwards Athens Area Human Relations Council (AAHRC)

Presentation of Sponsors…………………………………………………….. Marvin J. Nunnally Athens Area Human Relations Council (AAHRC)

~ COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD PRESENTATIONS ~ (Presented by Wesley Chenoweth, Jr.)

Invocation……………………………………………………………...... Sean Seay Lead Pastor, Athens Church

Introduction of Speaker…………………………………………….……….... Aaron McKinnon, B.A.

Musical Selection……………………………………………………………….…….. DiiJai Recording Artist (née Melvin Rambeau, Jr.) & 2007 AAHRC Scholarship Recipient

Keynote Speaker……………………………………………………………...….. Ms. Deja Watkins English Teacher, W.S. Hornsby Middle School, Augusta, GA & 2014 AAHRC Scholarship Recipient

~ SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS ~ (Presented by Judge Charles Auslander)

Musical Selection………………………………………………………………….…….. DiiJai

~ SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS ~

- Presentation of Sponsors -

Remarks……………………………………………………………………....….. Tarsha Deadwyler Banquet Committee, Athens Area Human Relations Council

Rev. Hattie S. Lawson President, Athens Area Human Relations Council

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Special Thanks to our Patrons…

Myers T. Howard & Marilyn Howard Sensational Kreations Jaron Washington Tyrique Dunn

ATHENS AREA HUMAN RELATIONS COUNCIL VENDORS

VIRTUAL PLATFORMS: Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com

Zoom https://www.zoom.us

BOOKLET DESIGN, CONTENT, & LAYOUT: Built Fresh Studios P.O. Box 80984 ▪ Athens, GA 30608 ▪ (678) 863-1007 ▪ [email protected] Graphic Design: Waissa Lawson Content, Typesetting & Layout: Yyokkia Lawson

PRINTING: Bel-Jean Copy Center 163 East Broad Street ▪ Athens, GA 30601 ▪ (706) 548-3648

MEDIA: WXAG 92.7 FM and 1470 AM 855 Sunset Drive Suite 16 ▪ Athens, GA 30606 ▪ (706) 552-1470 ▪ [email protected]

Page 18 Community Service Awards

Page 19 Athens Area Human Relations Council Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. Founder’s Award Celest Ngeve

Celest Ngeve is the Director at Rutland Academy where she serves students with emotional behavior disorders and other exceptionalities. She is also a poet, spoken word artist, author, life coach, photographer, therapist and motivational speaker. Celest has been facilitating women‟s empowerment retreats and workshops for years. However she has found that many of the issues women are currently dealing with in adulthood were developed when they were little girls. She recognizes the importance of helping young women develop key social skills that could help them with preparing for social/ emotional/behavioral wellness, balance, self- care, self-advocacy and the many journeys of life.

Celest founded SheSPEAKS Academy Mentoring Program in August 2018 for girls between the ages of 9-12. She meets with the girls once a month from 11- 5. Each session focuses on reading, math, social skills, self-advocacy skills, self-esteem building, creative expression, effective communication and a heavy emphasis put on self-care. Some of the activities the girls have are Shakti Yoga, dance, fitness, jewelry making, painting, creating self-portraits and positive traits cards, cooking, writing poetry, step routines, performance via their Black History Programs and Mother's Day programs, and community service. The girls have even beautified their highway via the Adopt-A-Highway program for Keeping Athens Clean on Whitehead Road. Currently, there are 25 girls on the roster with about 95% attendance monthly. The organization is a grassroots movement and is in its second year of operation. Celest is currently working towards obtaining non-profit status. The organization is sustained via generous donations from the community and parents of the girls involved in the program.

Celest Ngeve believes in the quote by her favorite poet, Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Page 20 Athens Area Human Relations Council Community Service Award Rashe Malcolm

Rashe Malcom is the owner of Rashe‟s Cuisine, a catering and home meal delivery service of delicious Jamaican inspired meals. During the Pandemic, Rashe‟s Cuisine, in partnership with a cooperative of local busi- nesses, donated an average of 1,800 meals each week to the Athens community.

In 2017, Rashe founded the Culinary Kitchen of Athens, a non-profit organization with a passion to prepare small local businesses for the commercial retail world through business branding, training, incubator spaces, partnership development and events. The Culinary Kitchen of Athens focuses on the economical need of small businesses by providing affordable community shared spaces to help established small businesses focus and learn how to remain self-sustaining. The Culinary Kitchen of Athens provided fee-free events to local Athens community vendors during the Pandemic.

In 2019, Rashe founded Farm to Neighborhood, a nonprofit community initiative that seeks to provide fresh and prepackaged healthy and affordable mobile meals as a nutrition-based service for limited income adults, families, and seniors living in Athens -Clarke County communities. Farm to Neighborhood has donated over 5,000 lbs. of fresh produce bags to help feed the Athens community during the Pandemic.

Page 21 Athens Area Human Relations Council Community Service Award Shawanda Johnson

Shawanda Johnson has a spirit of giving. She has always enjoyed helping others and is consistently finding a way to be of service in her community. A member of the Winterville Elementary LSGT Team, one of her duties is to support student learning and well-being, a role she takes seriously. This steadfastness and dedication is in keeping with her commitment to community, having served over the years in various capacities dealing with education and resource access for underserved families.

In a recent spotlight in the Winterville Gazette, Shawanda was highlighted for facilitating Winterville‟s Thanksgiving Giving initiative, serving plated meals t