BIG BETHEL IN THE NEWS
Big Bethel A.M.E. Church commemorates 62nd anniversary of March on Washington
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the iconic 'I have a dream' speech on that day.
Credit: AP The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., speaks to thousands during his "I Have a Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963.
ATLANTA — An Atlanta church held an event to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic speech.
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On August 28, 1963, Dr. King rose to the podium to deliver a speech about jobs and freedom for Black Americans, but instead, he was prompted to take his speech in another direction.
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Gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, had just finished singing 'I've been Buked, and I've been Scorned'--a song Dr. King had requested for her to sing. As Dr. King rose to the podium to deliver his prepared speech, Jackson shouted, "Tell them about the dream, Martin," according to History.com.
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Her suggestion for a different speech produced one of the most powerful and recognized speeches in history: 'I have a dream.'
Now, Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is remembering the day Dr. King uttered those words and the impact it left on more than 200,000 attendees during their Social Justice Sunday event. This event aims to inspire collective action and foster meaningful dialogue around issues of social justice, equity and civil rights.
Big Bethel AME commemorates anniversary of the March on Washington
By Kim Leoffler Published August 24, 2025 7:30pm EDT Atlanta FOX 5 Atlanta
Big Bethel AME Church hosts dozens ahead of March on Washington anniversary
Dozens gathered at Big Bethel AME Church for "Social Justice Sunday." It's meant to commemorate the upcoming 62nd anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's March on Washington and "I have a Dream" speech. Church leaders want to encourage congregants to make their voices heard by ensuring they're registered to vote.
The Brief
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- Dozens gathered at Big Bethel AME Church for "Social Justice Sunday."
- It's meant to commemorate the upcoming 62nd anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's March on Washington and "I Have a Dream" speech.
- Church leaders want to encourage congregants to make their voices heard by ensuring they're registered to vote.
Atlanta's Big Bethel AME Church Marks 62nd Anniversary of March on Washington, Urges Civic Engagement Amid Voter Purges
By Marc Washington
Commemorating a seminal moment in the civil rights movement, Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta's historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood held an event this past Sunday to honor the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington, as reported by 11Alive. It was here, on August 28, 1963, that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech—words that were originally not planned but invoked at the spur of the moment at the audible behest of gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson.
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During the Social Justice Sunday event, Big Bethel A.M.E. Church aimed to not only reflect on the past but to also inspire action in the present. According to 11Alive, Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine underscored the importance of collective efforts and dialogue around social justice and equity by stating, "We stand on the shoulders of giants, and it is our duty to continue the fight for justice for all." This anniversary serves as a call to galvanize the community to meaningfully act upon these enduring issues
Further highlighting the practical implications of remembrance and action, Reverend Dr. Jay Augustine from Big Bethel AME made a plea rooted in the immediacy of civic engagement. Speaking to FOX 5 Atlanta, he said, "Here in what was known as the city hall of Sweet Auburn I'm inviting people back to city hall we're back open for business. We want this to again be a place of gathering, a place of community, a place of not just acceptance but a place of affirmation." This call came days after Georgia completed a mass cancellation of over 400,000 inactive voter registrations, adding urgency to the pastor's subsequent advice.
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"I hope people will check to make sure that if they have been purged from voter rolls they will re-register...there is a senate election next year and all eyes will be on the peach state," Reverend Dr. Jay Augustine told FOX 5 Atlanta. In response to these voter roll purges, the church is advocating for citizens to proactively ensure their ability to exercise their right to vote. For those concerned about their voter registration status, they can re-register online, with the church and its leaders reinforcing the importance of being politically active and vigilant about their voting rights.
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Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, Senior Pastor of Big Bethel AME Church stands with Helen Butler, executive director of the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples' Agenda, while leading a prayer during a rally honoring the legacy of the late Civil Rights Icon and Congressman John Lewis on Thursday, July 17, 2025. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)
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Protests and events against President Donald Trump’s controversial policies that include mass deportations and cuts to Medicaid and other safety nets for poor people have started Thursday at more than 1,600 locations around the country.
The “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of action honors the late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis. Protests were being held along streets, at court houses and other public spaces. Organizers have called for them to be peaceful.
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The “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of action honors the late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis. Protests were being held along streets, at court houses and other public spaces. Organizers have called for them to be peaceful.
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Quentin “Coach Q” Pullen, an organizer with 50501 Georgia, calls on the crowd to raise a fist in solidarity during a rally honoring the legacy of the late Civil Rights Icon and Congressman John Lewis as part of a national day of action on Thursday, July 17, 2025. (Matthew Pearson/WABE
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“We are navigating one of the most terrifying moments in our nation’s history,” Public Citizen co-president Lisa Gilbert said during an online news conference Tuesday. “We are all grappling with a rise of authoritarianism and lawlessness within our administration … as the rights, freedoms and expectations of our very democracy are being challenged.”
ATLANTA, GA – Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest black church in Atlanta, has appointed Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine as its new senior pastor.
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A nationally recognized pastor, civil rights attorney and scholar, Augustine brings a dynamic blend of theological depth, legal expertise, and a lifelong commitment to community empowerment to this legendary pulpit on Auburn Avenue.
With its roots as the “City Hall of Sweet Auburn,” Big Bethel has stood as a beacon of faith, education, and activism in Atlanta and beyond.
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In his new role, Augustine plans to honor and revive this trajectory by leaning into the church’s historic commitment to community service, prophetic preaching, and civic engagement.
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“I’m excited to serve as Big Bethel’s faith leader. As Atlanta’s oldest Black church, the ‘City Hall of Sweet Auburn’ was where people organized as part of the fight for civil rights and social justice. Here we are again, at a time when human and civil rights are again under attack, and it’s time to organize again. God saw fit to send me to serve. As a pastor for both the church and the community, my goal is to help rebirth Big Bethel and take it to higher heights, as a place of inclusion and belonging for all,” said Cr. Augustine.”
Augustine holds an impressive academic background:
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· Howard University – Bachelor of Arts, Economics
· Tulane University Law School – Juris Doctor
· United Theological Seminary – Master of Divinity
· Duke University Divinity School – Doctor of Ministry
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Before entering the ministry, Augustine served as a civil rights litigator and public policy advocate. He is a published author and nationally recognized speaker whose work often explores the intersections of faith, race, and public life.
As Big Bethel embarks on this new chapter, the congregation and broader community look forward to a renewed season of spiritual growth, impactful outreach, and continued leadership in the fight for justice.
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About Big Bethel A.M.E. Church
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Founded in 1847, Big Bethel is the oldest Black church in the city of Atlanta and a cornerstone of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Located in the heart of Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn Avenue District, Big Bethel has long been a center for worship, education, and advocacy.
April 30, 2025 4:25 PM By: Sarah Kallis
SPLC CEO and President Margaret Huang speaks outside Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta Wednesday.
Credit: Sarah Kallis/GPB News
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Civil rights groups in Atlanta condemned actions taken by President Donald Trump’s during his first 100 days in office during a press conference Wednesday.
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On the steps of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal church, the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in Atlanta, civil rights advocates said they are continuing to push back on changes to the federal government made by Trump, including cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency, mass deportations, tariffs, and diversity, equity and inclusion program rollbacks.
Southern Poverty Law Center president and CEO Margaret Huang said Trump’s second administration so far has been marked by chaos.
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"From the first day President Trump took office, he and his inner circle have taken a wrecking ball to the agencies and services that are lifelines for millions of people and for the heart of our democracy," she said.
In a speech Tuesday at a rally in Michigan, Trump said his first 100 days were most successful of any administration.
Small Business Administrator and former Georgia U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler was in Georgia on Monday to celebrate President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office.
Big Bethel Church A.M.E Federal Credit Union joins Georgia United Credit Union
DULUTH, GA (February 26, 2025)
This week, members of Big Bethel Church A.M.E Federal Credit Union voted to merge with Georgia United Credit Union. This significant merger ensures that Big Bethel members will now have access to a broader range of financial products and services.
Linda Williams, Board Chair of Big Bethel Federal Credit Union, stated, "This merger represents an important step forward in ensuring that Big Bethel members have access to the very best in financial products and services. As the landscape for small credit unions becomes more complex, it is crucial to adapt and grow to meet the changing needs of our members. With Georgia United, Big Bethel members will now enjoy a wider range of offerings and convenience, including digital services and branch and ATM locations across the state."
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Big Bethel members will have access to Georgia United branches, products and services starting Monday, March 3, 2025.
Georgia United Credit Union ​​
Georgia United Credit Union is an award-winning financial leader and partner in education. Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia United is ranked as one of the state’s largest credit unions with more than $2 billion in assets and more than 150,000 members. As a full-service financial institution, Georgia United offers competitive products and services for every stage of life. Visit gucu.org to learn more.
Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Marks History Again
By FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team Published June 2, 2024 1:44pm EDT Sweet Auburn FOX 5 Atlanta
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Historical Marker dedication held at Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Sweet Auburn District in Atlanta.
ATLANTA - It was a joyous Sunday morning at Sweet Auburn's Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church where a historical marker had just been erected.
Big Bethel is the oldest African American congregation in the city of Atlanta. It was organized by enslaved African Americans who were barred from worshiping with white parishioners in 1847. For the last 177 years, Big Bethel has been known to host political gatherings and benevolent societies. In fact, members say the church was integral in establishing several Atlanta-based organizations, like the first chapter of Free and Accepted Masons in Georgia. The historically black institution, Morris Brown College, was founded at the church in 1881. The first National Convention of the NAACP was also held at Big Bethel in 1920.
Historical Marker dedication held at Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Sweet Auburn District in Atlanta.
Big Bethel AME Church In The News:
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DA Fani Willis speaks during event with faith leaders in Fulton County
The history of Big Bethel runs deeply and richly through Atlanta. A plaque installed by the Georgia Historical Society at the front of the church now explains the story to the world. If you're interested in learning more about it, you can read about it here. Big Bethel AME Church is located at 220 Auburn Avenue.
Big Bethel News Coverage
