Atlanta, GA—On Easter weekend, April 14–17, hundreds of atheists will gather in Atlanta for the 2022 American Atheists National Convention.
American Atheists, founded by Madalyn Murray O’Hair in 1963, promises a diverse line-up of speakers, social events, activist workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
“Our 2022 National Convention will energize and empower atheists from Atlanta and all across our country to engage in their communities,” said Nick Fish, president of American Atheists. “In Georgia and elsewhere, white Christian nationalists are working to restrict voting access, undermine public education, and make abortion illegal. We cannot allow them to succeed.”
The festivities kick off on Thursday evening with a Charity Game Night benefitting Access Reproductive Care–Southeast, an organization working to ensure that Southerners receive safe and compassionate reproductive care including abortion services.
Convention attendees will hear from over two dozen speakers. Mandisa Thomas, the Atlanta-based founder and president of Black Nonbelievers, Inc., will explore how to address white supremacy within the atheist community. Former pastor Dave Warnock, who was diagnosed with the terminal illness ALS, will talk about maximizing his atheist impact in the only life he has to live—and so much more.
On Easter Sunday, atheists will come together for the “Two Hands Working” Service Project. This volunteer project is named after Madalyn Murray O’Hair’s famous quote, “Two hands working can do more than a thousand clasped in prayer.” During the event, attendees will pack 50,000 meals for people in need in the Atlanta area.
“Doing good work through service and activism is at the heart of our convention,” said Debbie Goddard, Vice President for Programs. “And community is essential. People who leave religion can feel isolated. At our convention, attendees experience a sense of togetherness and learn ways to better get involved in their communities—all without having to go to church.”
Tickets are available online until April 9, and limited tickets will be available at the door. Area residents receive a special discounted admission rate of $99 for the weekend. For more information, visit convention.atheists.org.
Journalists and photographers interested in attending the event are encouraged to contact Tom Van Denburgh for press passes at [email protected].
