Congresswoman Nikema Williams Leads Legislation Establishing West Hunter Street Baptist Church as a National Historic Site

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site Act, legislation establishing West Hunter Street Baptist Church as a National Historic Site. Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. began his pastoral service at West Hunter in 1961, serving for 29 years. Congressmen Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Austin Scott (GA-08) are co-leading the introduction of the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site Act. 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said: 

“West Hunter Street Baptist Church played an active role in the civil rights movement where Ralph David Abernathy Sr. used his pulpit to lead the call for economic justice and civil rights. I am proud to introduce the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site Act so future generations can carry on his work. We must honor Reverend Abernathy’s legacy of activism by preserving West Hunter Street Baptist Church, the church he led during the civil rights movement. As conservatives across the country attempt to erase Black history altogether, preserving Black history has never been more urgent.” 

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) said: 

“It is more important now than ever that we protect and preserve the history of the Civil Rights Movement. The Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site Act will tell the full story that this administration is attempting to whitewash. I’m proud to join my fellow ATLien, Rep. Nikema Williams, in preserving these landmarks and honoring historic figures like Rev. Abernathy, so that future generations can learn about his significance—as well as the larger role our city played in the movement he helped lead.”

Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08) said: 

“I’m honored to join colleagues in establishing the West Hunter Street Baptist Church as a historical site with the National Park Service to formally recognize its impact in the civil rights movement under Dr. Ralph David Abernathy.”

Click here for the text of the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site Act.