Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr.
Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. — founder of AAHRC.
Biography
Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. was a pastor, community leader, and lifelong advocate for human relations in Athens, Georgia. Rooted in the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he devoted his life to building bridges across race, faith, and generation — a calling shaped by decades of ministry, civic service, and mentorship.
Community leadership
Rev. Nunnally served on numerous boards and civic committees across Athens-Clarke County. He mentored students, worked alongside faith communities, and stood with neighbors in moments of both celebration and struggle. His leadership left a mark on education, public service, and interfaith cooperation in Northeast Georgia.
Founding the Council
In 1979, convinced that Dr. King's dream needed a local home in Athens, Rev. Nunnally gathered a small circle of citizens and founded the Athens Area Human Relations Council. His vision was simple and enduring: implement a series of programs designed to keep the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. alive — through education, service, scholarship, and community leadership.
Legacy
More than four decades later, the Council he founded continues to award scholarships, recognize community leaders at the annual MLK Awards Banquet, host civil-rights education tours, and convene neighbors across differences. The Founder's Scholarship bears his name, and the Council's motto — "Promoting a better quality of life for all mankind" — carries his voice forward.
Historical photos
