Four decades of human relations work in Athens
From a small circle of citizens in 1979 to a regional voice for community leadership today — the Council's story is a shared story.
- 1979–1987
Founding years
In 1979, Rev. David H. Nunnally, Sr. gathered a small circle of Athens citizens with the conviction that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream needed a local home. The Athens Area Human Relations Council incorporated as a citizen-based organization, hosting its first Ecumenical Service and community dialogues to build multicultural understanding across the city.
- 1987–1996
Programs take root
The Council formalized its standing committees — Education & Training, Community Service, and Fundraising — and launched the annual MLK Awards Banquet honoring community leaders. Scholarship giving to Athens-area seniors began, and partnerships with schools, faith communities, and civic groups deepened.
- 1996–2003
A regional voice
AAHRC's reach expanded beyond Clarke County to the surrounding counties. Youth programs grew, civil-rights education initiatives brought students to historic sites, and the Founder's Scholarship was established to honor Rev. Nunnally's ongoing leadership.
- 2003–2011
Institution building
The Council achieved 501(c)(3) recognition and matured its governance — a working Executive Board, a growing membership roster, and clear service commitments. Community food distribution and civil-rights tours became signature programs alongside the annual banquet.
- 2011–Present
Carrying the torch
Under successive presidents, AAHRC continues to convene neighbors across differences, award scholarships to graduating seniors, honor community leaders with its Service, Pioneer, and Founder's awards, and steward the vision Rev. Nunnally set forth in 1979.