Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures

08/27/2026

CRJBF is getting some new neighbors!

President Hattie Thomas Whitehead and members of our Board attended the unveiling of the Athens Crush’s name and brand identity at The Classic Center. The Athens Crush will compete in the Indoor Football League beginning in March, with home games at Akins Ford Arena.

At the event, they connected with some of the team’s owners—NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, former Atlanta Brave and Atlanta Falcon Brian Jordan—along with members of the Crush leadership and coaching team.

08/27/2026

CRJBF is getting some new neighbors!

President Hattie Thomas Whitehead and members of our Board attended the unveiling of the Athens Crush’s name and brand identity at The Classic Center. The Athens Crush will compete in the Indoor Football League beginning in March, with home games at Akins Ford Arena.

At the event, they connected with some of the team’s owners—NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, former Atlanta Brave and Atlanta Falcon Brian Jordan—along with members of the Crush leadership and coaching team.

With the future Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures coming to the Classic Center campus, we’re excited to welcome the Crush to the neighborhood—and to see another new chapter taking shape in downtown Athens.

Congratulations, Athens Crush!

08/12/2026

Our history. Our community. The next generation.

This past Sunday, we celebrated the unveiling of a new mural by Athens artist Broderick Flanigan, created in collaboration with area students and honoring people who have helped shape our community—including Hattie Thomas Whitehead.

For Hattie, whose work has long centered on preserving Black history and advocating for her community, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to see our stories reflected in the places around us.

And there is something particularly meaningful about young people helping create that record.

We celebrate Broderick, the participating students and all those whose stories and legacies are represented on the wall.

08/12/2026

This past Sunday, community members gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a new mural by Athens artist Broderick Flanigan, created in collaboration with area students.

The mural honors local history and community leaders, including Hattie Thomas Whitehead, whose decades of advocacy, historical preservation and community work have helped ensure that Athens’ Black history is documented, shared and remembered.

The collaboration makes the work especially meaningful: a local artist and young people coming together to preserve the stories of those who came before them while creating something that will speak to generations to come.

We celebrate Broderick, the students who helped bring his vision to life, Hattie, and everyone represented in this vibrant piece of public art.

Our history lives when we tell it, preserve it and

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08/09/2026

A special moment for Athens history and community.

Join us Sunday, August 9 at 6:30 PM for the dedication of the new mural at the corner of Nellie B Avenue and Fairview Street.

The mural celebrates people and stories rooted in the community and features Hattie Thomas Whitehead, president of the Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures, among those depicted.

Hattie’s lifelong work as an educator, author, historian and community advocate has helped preserve and share Athens’ Black history while advancing justice and opportunity for generations to come. We’re proud to see her legacy and community leadership recognized through public art.

We hope you’ll join us for the Mural Dedication Ceremony and help celebrate Hattie and the community represented in this work.

Sunday, August 9 | 6:30 PM
Nellie B Avenue & Fairview Street | Athens

06/18/2026

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who supported the Launching the Vision event!

Join us this Juneteenth weekend as our board president, Hattie Thomas Whitehead, celebrates freedom and community through a series of impactful events. Let's come together to remember, honor, and protect our history. Your presence makes a difference!

https://conta.cc/4xBKXRd

Email from Athens-Clarke County Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures Don't Miss out on a Weekend Filled with Culture, Community, and Celebration! Thank You — and Join Us for Juneteenth Weekend

04/23/2026

Know Before You Go

We’re excited to welcome you to Launching the Vision: A First Look at the Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures this afternoon at The Classic Center Atrium from 3:00–5:00 PM.

Guests can expect:
✨ A welcome reception
✨ Light refreshments
✨ Inspiring remarks
✨ A musical opening
✨ Community roundtable conversations

Complimentary parking is available in The Classic Center deck. For easiest access, park on or near Level 2.

See you soon.
https://conta.cc/4d0YFok

Email from Athens-Clarke County Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures See you this afternoon at The Classic Center Atrium.   Know Before You Go Launching the Vision: A First Look at the Center f

04/22/2026

We’d love to see you there.

This work is about community—neighbors, families, and people who care about where Athens is going.

If you’ve been following this journey, or if you’re just learning about it, this is the moment to step in.

Join us tomorrow.

📍 The Classic Center Atrium
⏰ 3 PM - 5 PM

04/19/2026

Something important is taking shape in Athens.

This Thursday, we’re opening the doors to a vision rooted in history, truth, and possibility.

The Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures was born from the story of Linnentown—and from a commitment to recognition, redress, and building something better together.

Join us for Launching the Vision and be part of what comes next.

📍 Classic Center Atrium
🗓 Thursday, April 23
⏰ 3:00 PM