A Timeline of Justice and Progress in Athens
For a decade, AADM has worked to protect the dignity, rights, and humanity of our community—advocating for equity, accountability, and systemic change. What began as a response to injustice has grown into a movement rooted in education, advocacy, and collective action.
2016 — Founding & First Policy Impact
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) was founded in response to racial discrimination at local businesses and bars in Athens-Clarke County, inspiring co-founders Mokah Jasmine and Knowa Johnson to organize their first rally after a bar promoted a drink using a racial slur, a widely condemned incident commonly referred to as the “General Beauregard” controversy.
(AADM) Policy Wins Timeline 2016–2024
2016 — The 2016 Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (Nov. 1, 2016)
On November 1, 2016, the Athens-Clarke County Commission passed an anti-discrimination ordinance, marking AADM’s first major policy win.
IMPACT
This ordinance amended local alcohol licensing laws to:
Require bars to post clear dress codes at their entrances if they have one.
Require bars to post notice about private events (when and where they are happening) so that patrons can tell real closures from discriminatory practice.
Create a formal complaint mechanism — people alleging discrimination could file with the Athens-Clarke County Attorney’s Office.
Give the Commission the ability to fine up to ~$1,000, suspend, or even revoke alcohol licenses for discriminatory practices.
2017–2019 — Laying the Groundwork for Justice Reform
2017 – Task Force on Diversity & Inclusion Initiated. In July 2017, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Nancy Denson appointed a Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion to develop a community plan for equity and inclusion.
2019 – Inclusion Office Launched
2019 — No Cash Bail Victory. Freedom Act passed (June 2019):
Eliminates cash bail for low-level city ordinance violations in Athens-Clarke County. Ends the practice of jailing people simply because they cannot afford bail.
2019–2020 — Pre-Arrest Diversion Program
In March 2020, Athens‑Clarke County took an important step toward fairer, more humane justice by approving and launching the Pre‑Arrest Diversion (PAD) Program. Built on community‑driven recommendations and backed by AADM’s years of advocacy, the PAD program was designed to redirect eligible individuals away from arrest and incarceration for certain low‑level, non‑violent offenses, emphasizing support, accountability, and harm reduction rather than punishment.
Under PAD, officers may cite eligible individuals for certain minor offenses and refer them into a structured diversion process, which if completed can lead to case dismissal and help prevent a criminal record. However, in practice the program has faced challenges in fully being enacted and utilized over the long term.
We must continue to advocate for full and meaningful implementation, expansion of eligibility, and clearer pathways that enable PAD to work as originally intended: reducing unnecessary arrests, preventing lifelong impacts from low‑level charges, and advancing justice in practice as well as on paper.
2020 — Confederate Monument Removal:
Following years of advocacy and renewed national attention to racial justice:Athens-Clarke County votes to remove the Confederate Soldiers Memorial from its downtown location.
2021 — Civil Rights Expansion & Police Accountability:
Athens-Clarke County Non-Discrimination Ordinance passed (August 2021): Expands protections against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and services.
Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board established: Creates civilian review and accountability mechanisms for policing. Responds directly to years of community demands for transparency and oversight.
2022 — Marijuana Decriminalization: Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance passed: Possession of one ounce or less becomes a citation with a fine, not jail time. Reduces arrests and racial disparities in drug enforcement.
2023 — Sustaining & Defending Policy Wins. AADM strengthens community legal support and advocacy infrastructure.
2024 — AADM drafts and submits a Resolution for Building a Path to Equity for Black and Marginalized Communities. Passed by ACCUG April 2025.
AADM NEXT CHAPTER
Athens has a housing crisis like many other places across the country. Uncontrolled rent hikes, vanishing access to housing for ordinary and marginalized people, inequitable zoning law applications and lack of policy guardrails are making housing protections more urgent than ever. Help us make a difference by signing the Athens, Affordable Housing Ordinance Petition.
Equity & Leadership Institute – Launching to train community leaders, advocates, and allies with the tools to know their rights, build power, and lead change.
1-800 Justice Help Line – On January 31, we will host volunteer training to prepare advocates to support community members navigating discrimination, civil rights concerns, and more.
Thank you to our volunteers, partners, speakers, artists, organizers, and every person who marched, supported, and believed in this work.
