The Athens Anti-Discrimmination Movement held a vigil and libation ceremony at the University of Georgia’s Baldwin Hall on May 4 to honor the enslaved people buried in unmarked graves beneath them and celebrate the Athens Day of Jubilee. During a reconstruction project, it was discovered that Baldwin Hall was built over top African-American remains from the Jackson Street Cemetery.
Above: CELEBRATING THE DAY OF JUBILEE: Co-founders of the Athens Anti-Discrimmination Movement Mokah Jasmine Johnson (left) and Knowa Johnson (right) speak at the Athens Day of Jubilee vigil and libation ceremony at Baldwin Hall on May 4. The event marks the anniversary of May 4, 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Clarke County and freed 5,000 enslaved people. “This day became known as the ‘Day of Jubilee,’ when the emancipated people hoisted an American flag up the flagpole in front of Athens’ Town Hall and danced in celebration around the ‘flagpole of liberty,’” the AADM website stated. Photo by Luna Reichert
Above: HONORING THE ANCESTORS: Mokah Jasmine Johnson speaks at the vigil and libation ceremony. The event pays respect to the enslaved people whose unmarked graves were found under Baldwin Hall in 2015. “It's important to honor our ancestors, those that came before us. That is one reason why we have (this) event,” Johnson said. “(It is) also to demand accountability and still fight for justice regarding Baldwin Hall and the 105 remains that were found. We feel like justice still hasn't prevailed in that situation.” Photo by Luna Reichert
Above: A VIGIL IN THE RAIN: Despite the rain, community members gather at Baldwin Hall to hear speakers and artists share their perspectives on the racial progress yet to be made within Athens. Mokah feels it is important to get community members involved in such events in order to make changes. “It means a lot for someone to come out there and speak, or for someone to come out there and just be present,” Mokah said. “That's how change begins, it is through the people, and the more people that multiply, the more people that stand together and fight for humanity, that's the only way that we're going to get some of the changes that we want to see.” Photo by Luna Reichert
Above: BRINGING BEYOND BALDWIN’S MESSAGE: University of Georgia student and student organization “Beyond Baldwin” member Phaidra Buchanan speaks at the vigil. The student organization engages UGA students in a specific social justice issue at the university. “What we do is we push for racial justice issues at (UGA). We were there as students to speak (at) the event, especially as it pertains to the enslaved people who were found buried underneath Baldwin Hall, which is a UGA building, in 2015,” Buchanan said. Photo by Luna Reichert
Above: LIBATION AT BALDWIN HALL: Community members pour water into the soil at Baldwin Hall during the libation ceremony as Mokah recites a prayer. This spiritual African ritual pays homage to the ancestors that were buried at Baldwin Hall. “Everyone had a water bottle. Sometimes people use alcohol, sometimes they use water. And as you pour it, it's supposed to be nourishing the earth where your ancestors supposedly lay,” Buchanan said. Photo by Luna Reichert
Above: GILES DREAMS: Dr. Freda Scott Giles, Associate Professor Emerita of Theatre and Film Studies and African American Studies at UGA and member of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, speaks to the audience at the vigil and libation ceremony. Giles shared her hopes of turning the building into a museum showcasing the history of enslaved as well as indigenous Athenians. “(Giles) spoke about not knowing your history and how important it is,” Mokah said. “If we don't learn our history, we can repeat some of the horrible things that have happened. We won't acknowledge our ancestors and people that have paved the way before us. We won't be as appreciative of the freedom that we have now, the opportunities that we have understanding that there were sacrifices made before us.” Photo by Audrey Enghauser
Above: TAKING IT IN: A community member records Buchanan speaking at the vigil and libation ceremony. The attendees at the event ranged in age greatly, which Mokah sees as important in seeking racial change. “The good thing is that we saw different age groups there. Young folks are starting to care more -- they didn't have to be out there, they could be anywhere,” Mokah said. “For a young person to put this matter as something that is important to them enough to come out there in the rain or to learn more about it, or for even yourself to cover the story, it means a lot.” Photo by Luna Reichert
Above: BRINGING HIS PERSPECTIVE: Rev. Ryan Brooks of Shekinah Glory Worship Assembly gives a speech at the Athens Day of Jubilee Vigil and Libation ceremony on May 4. Brooks was one of the many community members to share their perspective on the events at Baldwin Hall and the racial justice that is still owed by Athens and UGA. Photo by Luna Reichert
Above: JUST A LITTLE WHILE LONGER: Community member Keisha Burgess sings at the Athens Day of Jubilee Vigil and Libation. She sings the lyrics Hold on just a little while longer from a traditional gospel song originally written by gospel singer and preacher Cleophus Robinson Jr. Photo by Audrey Enghauser
Above: SHOWING UP: A poster with the words “Honoring the Ancestors, Athens Day of Jubilee” lays on a rock damp from rain. Buchanan was encouraged by the amount of people who showed up despite the grim weather. “It was very uplifting for me to see these different groups of people with the same values and convictions come together,” Buchanan said. “We were all connected in wanting to remember and honor these people, and reflect on their legacy and how we can give back to their memories.” Photo by Audrey Enghauser