Community Conversation: Giving Voice to Linnentown, June 11

ATHENS, Ga. — The public is invited to Athens-Clarke County Library Saturday, June 11, at 2:00 pm for a community conversation with guest Hattie Thomas Whitehead focused on her book, Giving Voice to Linnentown.

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 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 the 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.

The library has a limited number of free copies of Giving Voice to Linnentown available at the Circulation Desk, first come first served.

This community conversation is presented by the library’s Heritage Room. For more information, call (706) 613-3650 or visit athenslibrary.org. The Athens-Clarke County Library is located at 2025 Baxter Street, Athens.