The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. After slavery was abolished, a new slavery was established called convict leasing. Black folks would be arrested for petty “crimes” such as loitering or disorderly conduct and then sentenced to years […]

Oppose Inmate Labor in Athens

We’ve decided to experiment with a podcast! Join Briana Bivens, Organization Coordinator; Broderick Flanagan, Co-Coordinator of the Housing initiative; and Jesse Houle (Local Political Coordinator) for our first episode. This was recorded in mid-January. They discuss the 2018 local elections, A4E’s 2019 priorities, affordable housing and the A4E Housing initiative, […]

Podcast for Everyone! Episode 1

The University of Georgia was built in large part by enslaved people. For most of its history it excluded people of color. Still today, it bans undocumented Georgian students. Still today, it refuses to adequately deal with its history of white supremacy. And still today, it disproportionately pays its Black […]

A4E Supports Free Speech at UGA, Condemns Institutional Racism

a gavel, a pair of handcuffs, and a pile of money
As we fight to dismantle the prison industrial complex and the carceral state, one small step we can take toward a more just justice system is reforming how bail works. But how does it work now? What’s the problem with it? And what can we do to fix it? First […]

Bail Reform: The Basics

hands with a hand-marked paper ballot
It’s time to tell our legislators we want real paper ballots. Call or email: Rep. Spencer Frye: spencer.frye@house.ga.gov or (404) 656-0265 Rep.-Elect Houston Gaines: contact@houstongaines.com  Rep.-Elect Marcus Wiedower: votemarcuswiedower@gmail.com or (706) 254-3251  Sen. Bill Cowsert: bill.cowsert@senate.ga.gov or (404) 463-1366  Sen. Frank Ginn: frank.ginn@senate.ga.gov or (404) 656-4700  Make sure to tell […]

Action Alert: We Want Real Paper Ballots

Long a core member of A4E, everyone is incredibly proud and excited that the unstoppable Briana Bivens is stepping into the key role of A4E’s Organization Coordinator. Dear Athens for Everyone members and supporters, I’m excited to announce that this month, I’ll begin the role of Organization Coordinator of Athens […]

Letter from A4E’s new Organization Coordinator, Briana Bivens

Our new mayor and commission have the chance to do great things in Athens. It’s time to tell them to reconsider the SPLOST designations voted on December 4. Contact information for the current mayor and commission is listed here. Contact information for the new commissioners is as follows: Patrick Davenport: […]

Stand up for Citizen Input on SPLOST Dollars

It’s time to tell our city manager we support restorative justice in the police department. Submit your feedback by this Friday, December 21, through the online form at www.accgov.com/policechief, through voicemail by calling (706) 224-3202, or through paper forms available at City Hall in the Manager’s Office (301 College Avenue, […]

Action Alert: Hire the Right Police Chief

It’s time to ask our legislators to protect voting rights. Call or email: Rep. Spencer Frye: spencer.frye@house.ga.gov or (404) 656-0265Rep.-Elect Houston Gaines: contact@houstongaines.comRep.-Elect Marcus Wiedower: votemarcuswiedower@gmail.com or (706) 254-3251 Make sure to tell your friends in other districts to call their state legislators, too. Don’t know who your legislators are? […]

Action Alert: Stop Purging Voter Rolls