The Athens For Black Lives Matter Initiative

The Athens for Black Lives Matter Initiative is a collective actively working toward a better, more prosperous future for Black Athenians. We at the Initiative believe in the power of community as a catalyst for long-term change and the gravity of uplifting our Black community as a focal point for the roads ahead. 

 

Through 5 points of interest, the Initiative strives to build a sustainable infrastructure to advocate for and support the Black community. These 5 points, each as important as the next, are defined and conceptualized as follows: 

 

1. For the Community

   1. We want to make uplifting the Black community our main focus by organizing focused support for Black creatives, artists, businesses, and our community members. 

      1. Organizing events like an annual festival, poetry slams, music events, and more that highlight our Black community. 

      2. Running a School Outreach program giving Athens Elementary, Middle, and High School students a platform to advise us on what they need in terms of support and providing spaces dedicated to their well-being and growth. 

      3. Sharing a monthly newsletter that also highlights Black businesses, creatives, and artists and how we can support while also keeping the community in the loop about what we are working on and how they can support. 

      4. Organizing a bi-monthly town hall for the community spotlighting local issues, leaders, and efforts that are important for Athens. 

2. For the Campus

   1. We want to collaborate, support, and supplement existing social justice organizations and initiatives on Athens college campuses to aid and offer insight into maintaining the conversation surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement. 

      1. Offering a safe space to hold conversations about race and resources for anti-racism education.

      2. Advocating for curriculum changes and the decolonization of education while also pushing for a more inclusive and inviting campus environment. 

      3. Addressing the persistence of systemic racism in the practices of Greek Life and championing the promotion of diversity and inclusion in all NPC and IFC chapters. 

3. For the Policy

   1. We want to support, supplement, and create policy and resolutions that hold local government accountable for their role in shaping a more equitable and just society. 

      1. Supporting and collaborating with existing Athens organizations to push policies on a local level. 

      2. Writing petitions and resolutions that will result in positive change for our Black community. 

      3. Engaging with local community leaders and public officials to learn from and discuss with them the proposals we deem necessary in realizing our vision. 

4. For the Wellness

   1. We want to elevate and advocate for the general well-being of the Black community by addressing issues within the realms of environmental justice and public health and supporting and bolstering resources for mental health as well as our LGBTQIA+ community. 

      1. Providing, supplementing, and financially supporting existing resources for the Black community for mental health and public health. 

      2. Raising awareness about the issues of environmental justice within the community and advocating for environmental justice as a priority in policy. 

      3. Creating a safe space for our Black LGBTQIA+ community and elevating their needs to the wider community while also offering financial support to existing initiatives. 

5. Money Where Our Mouth Is

   1. We want to monetarily support the goals of this Initiative by combatting the financial gatekeeping that continues to exist within several institutions such as academia, healthcare, and wellness.

      1. ATH4BLM Ambition Fund for standardized test prep, extracurricular involvement, camp opportunities, and general school support for the youth as well as for resume workshops, job search support, transit support, and career support for adults. 

      2. ATH4BLM Healthcare Fund for hospital bills, wellness resources, and mental health support. 

      3. ATH4BLM Pack the Pantry Fund & Assistance Program to relieve families in need by fundraising for monthly grocery bills and offering support in nutritional literacy. 

 

These 5 focal points will be the guiding consideration for the growth and of this Initiative. 

 

The Athens for Black Lives Matter Initiative is not about centralized power within the internal structure. We believe that decentralizing power and authority within this Initiative is imperative for building a sustainable foundation for collaboration and genuine impact. While we may have coordinators and points of contact, we will maintain that natural leadership within the Initiative will be fluid and form out of the best interests for the community. 

 

Now is the time for Athens to play an active role in uplifting our Black community. It is long overdue, but we will wait no longer.