Our Mission
The Economic Justice Coalition (EJC) is dedicated to promoting economic equity, advocating for living wages, and empowering communities through education, voter engagement, and worker support. Since 2003, we have been at the forefront of creating opportunities, advancing workers’ rights, and building a more just and equitable Athens and surrounding communities.
Our Story
EJC began in 2003 when Dr. Ray MacNair, inspired by Senator Vincent Ford’s advocacy for living wages, organized a group in Athens to address fair wages and benefits. Initially called the Athens Living Wage Coalition, we quickly expanded our focus and officially became the Economic Justice Coalition in 2004. From the start, we worked to unite diverse communities—African American, Latino, and University of Georgia students and staff—to advocate for fair wages and economic justice for all.
Key Milestones
- 2003–2005: Established as a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)), launched our living wage campaigns, and registered over 2,000 voters in Athens-Clarke County.
- 2006–2012: Expanded outreach to UGA employees, organized civil rights and immigration marches, and launched worker centers to educate and empower day laborers. We also began our Peachy Green Clean Cooperative and Unity Cooperative Labor Partners, supporting worker-owned businesses.
- 2011–2014: Served as fiscal agent for Freedom University, supporting Hispanic students denied access to Georgia’s top universities, and continued to grow our cooperative programs.
- 2015–2018: Joined Interfaith Worker Justice and strengthened partnerships for advocacy, voter registration, and living wage campaigns.
- 2019–2024: Provided community support through food drives, helped workers recover over $100,000 in wage theft claims, registered thousands of voters, and advocated for pay raises for hundreds of employees in local schools and healthcare systems.
- 2025: Welcomed our new Executive Director, Aissatou Sabara, and continue to expand programs and partnerships that support workers and community empowerment.
Our Programs
- Worker Centers: Educate low-wage workers on rights, assist with legal representation, and guide unionization efforts.
- Peachy Green Clean Cooperative & Unity Cooperative Labor Partners: Worker-owned businesses that provide jobs while promoting fair labor practices.
- Voter Registration & Engagement: We’ve registered over 20,000 voters since our founding, ensuring communities have the power to shape policies that impact their lives.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local schools, organizations, and advocacy groups to advance economic justice and equity for all.
Our Impact
EJC has transformed the lives of countless workers and families by advocating for fair wages, providing education and support, and empowering communities to create meaningful change. Our work continues to inspire and unite people across Athens, Georgia, and beyond.
Join Us
Support our mission to promote economic justice, empower workers, and build stronger communities. Together, we can make a difference.
Economic Justice Coalition 