This Is Who We Are
We believe in the revolutionary power of friendship. For over a century, Americans have proven that when we choose connection over division, we change the world.
Imagine growing up hearing only half the story.
You learn about slavery, segregation, and the long struggle against racism. These truths matter — they must never be forgotten. But what if there's another story running alongside it? A story of unlikely friendships, courageous alliances, and quiet acts of solidarity that bent the arc of history toward justice?
We call this "The Other Tradition" — and we've made it our life's work to tell it.
A Different Kind of Movement
The National Center for Race Amity began with a simple but radical idea: what if we focused not just on the problem of racism, but on the proven solutions? What if we celebrated the Americans who chose friendship over fear — and learned from their example?
This isn't about ignoring injustice. It's about recognizing that every act of interracial friendship, every partnership across the color line, every time someone said "your fight is my fight" — these moments built the foundation for everything we've achieved as a nation.
What We Do
We Tell Stories
Through award-winning documentaries and educational materials, we bring to light the forgotten heroes of interracial friendship — from Harriet Tubman's Quaker allies to the rabbi who marched arm-in-arm with Dr. King.
We Gather People
Each year, our National Race Amity Conference brings together thousands who believe in the power of friendship. On Race Amity Day every June, communities across America celebrate what unites us.
We Honor Champions
Our Medal of Honor recognizes those who embody the spirit of race amity — ordinary people doing extraordinary work to bridge divides in their communities.
Race Amity Institute
Our first brick-and-mortar facility is located in the Be on Edgewood complex in Atlanta's historic Sweet Auburn district — the same neighborhood where Dr. King grew up.
This historic preservation site has been completely renovated to serve as a center of research, education, training, youth outreach and the arts. The Institute includes:
- Performance venue
- Exhibit space
- Resource library
- Seminar room
"The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens."
— Bahá'u'lláh
This truth guides everything we do. We believe that our differences are meant to enrich us, not divide us — and that when we truly see each other as one human family, transformation follows.
Join Us
This isn't just our mission — it's an invitation. Whether you attend a conference, share our documentaries, celebrate Race Amity Day in your community, or simply choose friendship in your daily life, you become part of The Other Tradition.
The story isn't over. And you're invited to help write the next chapter.
Visit Us
395 Edgewood Ave. SE, Suite 5
Atlanta, GA 30312
Located in the historic Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park area
Be Part of the Story
For over a century, ordinary people have done extraordinary things by choosing friendship. Join them.