About
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) is a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing equity and justice by confronting systemic discrimination in all its forms. Rooted in community, AADM works to ensure that individuals—especially those from historically marginalized groups, have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to protect their rights and thrive.
Through a combination of education, policy advocacy, and direct action, AADM empowers community members with the knowledge, resources, and tools needed to navigate discrimination and advocate for their rights. The organization works to advance policy reforms that address systemic inequities, create lasting community change, and hold institutions accountable. AADM also partners with businesses, schools, and community organizations to facilitate meaningful dialogue, strengthen relationships, and build more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environments.
At its core, AADM is committed to empowering people, transforming systems, and creating a future where equity is not just an ideal but a lived reality for all.
AADM also supports businesses and organizations by offering guidance on strategies for creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Founders
Founded in January 2016 by Mokah-Jasmine Johnson and her husband, Knowa D. Johnson, AADM was launched to address repeated allegations of discrimination by bars and businesses in downtown Athens. Since then, the organization has worked tirelessly to advance racial and social equity, breaking down racial barriers in Athens and beyond.
Photos by Daniel Borremans
MISSION & VISION
Our Mission
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) is a grassroots organization dedicated to dismantling systemic discrimination and advancing equity through education, advocacy, and direct action. We empower individuals and communities with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to protect their rights, while driving meaningful policy change at the local and state level.
Our vision
Through AADM’s work, we envision a world where everyone feels they truly belong, their voices are heard, and their rights are protected. A world where discrimination, racism and bias are no longer tolerated. A society where all individuals are treated fairly and equally, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, ability, or background.
What We Offer
COMMUNITY DEFENSE hub program
The AADM Community Defense Hub provides community members with support, resources, and guidance when navigating discrimination, civil rights concerns, and systems of injustice. Through nonviolent advocacy, education, and direct support, AADM helps individuals understand their rights, address grievances, and navigate accountability processes.
Services include:
Discrimination intake and support
Jail and police accountability complaints
Know You rights education and referrals
1-800 Justice Help Line support
Open Records Request assistance
Court navigation and support understanding the legal process
The Community Defense Hub works to ensure residents have the tools, information, and support needed to advocate for themselves, challenge harmful systems, and promote transparency and accountability in local institutions.
Education, TRAINING, & Compliance:
The AADM Education & Training Program provides workshops, trainings, and educational initiatives focused on civil rights, discrimination prevention, community empowerment, and equity. Through interactive learning opportunities, AADM equips individuals, organizations, and community partners with the knowledge and tools needed to understand their rights, recognize discrimination, address inequities, and promote inclusive environments.
Programs cover topics related to civil rights, anti-discrimination practices, policy awareness, community advocacy, and compliance. AADM also invests in developing future civil rights leaders by providing leadership development, community education, and opportunities for individuals to engage in meaningful action toward creating a more equitable society.
Policy & Advocacy Program
The AADM Policy & Advocacy Program works to advance equity and protect civil rights by transforming community concerns into meaningful policy change. Through research, community engagement, education, and strategic advocacy, the program identifies systemic barriers, develops policy solutions, and advocates for reforms at the local and state levels.
Led by the Policy & Advocacy Committee, the program brings together community members, advocates, and partners to monitor policies, educate residents about issues impacting their lives, engage decision-makers, and organize collective action. The committee works to ensure that the voices and experiences of impacted communities are represented in conversations that shape laws, ordinances, and public policies.
Through community forums, policy discussions, advocacy campaigns, and partnerships, AADM works to influence equitable policies, increase civic participation, and hold institutions accountable while building a more inclusive and just community.
END SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE
The End the School-to-Prison Pipeline (ESTPP) Initiative is a year-round education and leadership initiative designed to empower students, educators, parents, and community advocates with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to create safer, more equitable learning environments.
The ESTPP Initiative helps young people recognize their potential while providing educators, families, and advocates with the tools to build a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
To get involved, join the movement!
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![Group of people protesting with signs and a banner that reads 'ATHENS ANTI DISCRIMINATION MOVEMENT' in front of a park entrance with trees and a white building.]()
Policy and Advocacy
The AADM Policy & Advocacy Program works to advance equity and protect civil rights by transforming community concerns into meaningful policy change. Through research, community engagement, education, and strategic advocacy, the program identifies systemic barriers, develops policy solutions, and advocates for reforms at the local and state levels.
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![People attending an art gallery or art exhibition, with colorful modern artworks displayed on the walls.]()
Training & Education
The AADM Education & Training Program provides workshops, trainings, and educational initiatives focused on civil rights, discrimination prevention, community empowerment, and equity.
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![A protestor holding a large sign that reads 'EDUCATION NOT INCARCERATION' during a demonstration in an urban area with skyscrapers in the background.]()
End School to Prison
A transformative leadership & mentorship program designed to keep youth out of the system and empower them to lead.
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Community Defense Hub
The AADM Community Defense Hub provides community members with support, resources, and guidance when navigating discrimination, civil rights concerns, police and jail complaints, and systems of injustice.
Board Members
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Mokah-Jasmine Johnson
Co-founder and Executive Director
Pronouns: (she/her)
Mokah is an accomplished educator and civil rights activist. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Media Design and Technology, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Marketing Management, as well as certifications in Paralegal Studies and Mediation. She’s a dynamic speaker, educator, activist, music artist, and entrepreneur committed to inspiring change through powerful speeches, music, and her work as an activist. Mokah’s dedication to community mobilization and policy change has garnered her recognition throughout the state of Georgia. She’s available for speaking engagements, women’s empowerment, and anti-racism workshops. Visit her website for more info www.mokahspeakstoinspire.com
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Knowa D Johnson
Co-founder and Director of Marketing and Events
Pronouns: (he/him)
Knowa D. Johnson is a seasoned entrepreneur, event and music producer, and social justice advocate based in Athens. Originally from Orlando, he relocated to north Atlanta in 2009 with his wife Mokah Jasmine Johnson to expand their business ventures in media, event production, and the music industry. In 2011 they moved to Clarke County, where they founded the Athens Hip Hop Awards, an annual event recognizing hip-hop culture and Black-owned businesses. Their advocacy work deepened with the creation of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM), initially formed to combat discrimination in downtown Athens but later evolving into a broader civil rights organization. Knowa’s contributions continue to shape the cultural and social justice landscape of Athens, inspiring advocacy and change.
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Tracy Brown
AADM Board Chair
Pronouns: (she/her)
Tracy made her way to Athens in 2016, via Atlanta, looking for a slower pace, where she worked at the Salvation Army. Tracy worked as a shelter monitor, CARES housing coordinator, and then the emergency shelter coordinator for the Athens Area Homeless Shelter. She recently retired from that job to work as a Real Estate Agent with Athens Greater Properties.
Tracy serves on the board of Canopy Aerial Studios, as well as on the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship’s board as the vice president, and on the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement’s board as their chair. Tracy is a musician and vocalist. Currently she sings with two bands: Tracy and Jeff, a duo that performs jazz, blues and classic standards, and Aquatic Soul Band. She is also currently the director of The Vagina Monologues, a fundraiser for The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center.
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Barbara Benson
AADM Board Secretary
Pronouns: (she/her)
Barb Benson served in the Peace Corps as an English teacher in Gabon, Africa, has lived on a Kibbutz in Israel, and has visited 30 countries throughout her travels over the years. She loves learning about people from around the world and has discovered that people are more alike than are different. She is a retired educator and loves serving as a volunteer with several organizations. Her hobbies include dancing, practicing yoga, and following the lives of her 9 BONUS grandchildren and 3 grown children.
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John Olive
AADM Treasurer
Pronouns: (he/him)
Dr. Olive is a retired Professor Emeritus in Mathematics Education from the University of Georgia and a long-time member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens (UUFA), a Justice partner with AADM. John also tutors undocumented students in the U-Lead program. He coordinated the volunteer online Tutoring Program for AADM during the first two years of the pandemic.
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Sherry Johnson
AADM Volunteer and Board Member
Was born and raised in Palm Beach Gardens Florida before moving to Athens to attend UGA 34 years ago. She is a small business owner and a singer who sometimes performs with her husband Rick Fowler. Sherry was a performer in last year’s Athens In Harmony benefit concert and decided to become more involved in activism largely due to that transformative experience.
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Damon Allen
AADM Volunteer and Board Member
Damon is a dedicated community advocate and board member of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM). With a strong commitment to racial justice and youth empowerment, Damon supports initiatives that promote equity, education, and opportunity for all. He serves as president of Electric Bike Group Athens, an organization that promotes health, connection, and inclusivity through community cycling.
Damon also operates Blue Horizon Travel, helping clients explore the world and build cultural awareness, and runs Blue Up Entertainment, using music and DJ services to unite and uplift the community. Known for his leadership, creativity, and passion for service, Damon continues to make a meaningful impact in Athens and beyond.
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Annie Marcum
AADM Volunteer and Board Member
Pronouns: (she/her)
Annie Marcum has been volunteering with AADM since 2020. She has 2 young kids who take up most of her time and she teaches at their preschool, Arrow. Annie is inspired by all of the work AADM does in the community and is committed to showing her children what it looks like to participate in community work and support activism. Annie is a certified yoga and iRest teacher as well, utilizing meditation as her main source of stability and ground in this chaotic and unjust world. Her children remind her of the hope and joy that is still accessible if we pay attention to it. AADM’s work is vital for our community and Annie is grateful to participate whenever possible.
Contact us
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