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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.