Art Auction to Support Youth Program
Frederick Douglass Art Piece. Make A Bid. Auction Goal: $1,500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATHENS, GA — The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) is launching a community art auction fundraiser to support its End the School-to-Prison Pipeline (ESTTP) Program and Youth Civil Rights Summer Camp scholarships.
The featured artwork, generously donated by artist Rodney Grainger, depicts Frederick Douglass alongside present-day prisoners, drawing a powerful connection between America’s history of slavery and the modern realities of mass incarceration. The piece serves as both a work of art and a call for reflection, dialogue, and action around racial justice.
Grainger has dedicated more than 25 years to creating art centered on racial justice and social equity. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama during segregation in the late 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s, Grainger witnessed firsthand the deep inequalities between Black and white communities. His lived experiences continue to shape his lifelong commitment to using art as resistance, truth-telling, and advocacy.
The fundraiser comes during a difficult period for many grassroots organizations. Over the past two years, AADM has experienced significant funding challenges due to rising economic pressures, limited funding opportunities, and shifts in donor and foundation priorities.
“Despite these challenges, the need for this work has only grown,” said Mokah-Jasmine Johnson, co-founder of AADM. “We are still educating, advocating, mentoring youth, and fighting for justice.”
This auction is not just about raising funds — it’s about sustaining a movement and investing in the next generation of leaders.”
Supporters have two options:
Make A Bid: Auction Goal: $1,500
Donate: Total Fundraising Goal: $5,000
Funds raised will directly support youth leadership development, civil rights education, advocacy efforts, and scholarship opportunities for young people participating in AADM’s summer programming.
Community members are encouraged to place bids, donate, and share the fundraiser to help sustain the organization’s ongoing work.
