Giving Voice to Linnentown: Join the Community Conversation!

Saturday, June 11, 2022, 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Auditorium

Giving Voice to Linnentown: A community conversation about erasure of an Athens Black Community in the 60s. 

Live discussion with the author of the book "Giving Voice to Linnentown" by Hattie Thomas Whitehead. The book recounts how federal legislation affected the community and families of Linnentown when their community is erased by "urban renewal." Books can be picked up at the circulation desk at the Athens-Clarke County Library. There is a limited supply and are available on a first come, first served basis. 

As a first descendent of Linnentown, Hattie is President and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Linnentown Project.  She assisted in writing a resolution for recognition and redress that was unanimously adopted the  in February 2021.This is the first official legislation calling for reparations in the state of Georgia. She also co-chairs the Justice and Memory Project. Hattie’s most resent accomplishment was writing a book, “Giving Voice to Linnentown” that chronicles life in Linnentown and her role in seeking justice on behalf of the first descendant residents of Linnentown.

This Athens 19 Days of Juneteenth celebration is cosponsored by the Heritage Room of the Athens-Clarke County Library.