Our Mission
The Hot Corner Association is dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurship of the Black business community and inspiring young minds in pursuit of entrepreneurship. It aims to preserve and celebrate the rich history of the Hot Corner and to create a welcoming and active community for Athenians where they can take part in a culture of unity.
Who We Are
The Hot Corner association is a group of business professionals in the Athens community as well as individuals who have a passion for history and entrepreneurship. Drawing on the rich history of African-American business in Athens, the association hosts a festival in celebration of the legacy of the Hot Corner the second weekend of every June.
Our History
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The Hot Corner is a historic community and economic hub of Athens made up of landmark black business and trailblazing professionals. The Hot Corner began in the 20th century as a center of entrepreneurship and entertainment, coinciding with the construction of the AME Church on Dougherty Street which still stands today. In 1910, Monroe Bowers “Pink” Morton built the Morton Building at the intersection of Hull and Washington streets, which is currently the oldest, African-American built and owned theatre in the country. In the early 1900s, the building became home to a variety of companies such as the Ellington D. Harris Drug Company, which was the first black-owned drugstore in Athens. Professionals in that building also included the practice of Dr. Ida Mae Hiram, the first black female dentist in Athens as well as the first black woman to pass the Georgia Dental Board exams, and Dr. Blanche Thompson, the first black female physician in Athens. Many black-owned businesses also resided across the street from the Morton, including a motel, food market, a few restaurants, and some barbershops. Today, Wilson’s Styling Shop, which opened its doors in the 1950s, serves as one of the modern-day anchors of the Hot Corner.
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Homer Wilson
The Hot Corner Association was established in 2000 as a result of the first Hot Corner Festival held in the same year. A group led by Mr. Homer Wilson met in 1999 to begin piecing together the history of the Hot Corner and to honor all businesses that has been a part of the community. Initially, the Hot Corner Association was created to be the group responsible for planning the festival. Following the success of the festival and driven by his own passion, Mr. Wilson and other Athenians continued meeting to honor the history that the Hot Corner offers and to develop ways to expand the association impact on the community.
Sign-up/Get Involved
ParticipateCalling all performers, vendors, and restaurants; The Hot Corner Festival wants YOU! Our missions is to celebrate the history, diversity, and community of Athens so we want your organization represented!
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VolunteerOur volunteers are key to the success of the Hot Corner Festival. On the day of the festival, volunteer help set up the booths, manage the live performances, oversee the kids corner, and more. This is a great opportunity for students who are looking for community service hours! Click the button below to access the volunteer sign-up form. Please download it, fill it out, and email it back to us at [email protected]
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Sponsor Hot Corner is an event that is supported by our sponsors! Review Sponsorship Level information here: hot_corner_sponsorship_levels__overview.pdf If you are interested in sponsoring our event, please complete the Sponsorship Form below. |
Our Sponsors
Thank you 2024 Hot Corner Sponsors!!!!
Athens Democratic Party, Athens Downtown Development Authority, Athens Banner Herald, ATHFactor, Brown’s Barber Shop, Bennie Roberson, CAT Sporty Marketing Group, Cine Theater, Destined Inc., First AME Church, John Hubbard Radio Station, Little Kings, Live Wire Athens, MEU Radio, NAACP Clarke County #5180, Manhattan, Morris Brown College Athens Alumni Chapter, Town and Gown, WXAG 92.7FM/1470 AM Radio, UGA Richard B. Russell Library, UGA Special Collections, Wilson’s Barber Shop, World Famous, Inc. 95.9 FM The Beat of Athens
Athens Democratic Party, Athens Downtown Development Authority, Athens Banner Herald, ATHFactor, Brown’s Barber Shop, Bennie Roberson, CAT Sporty Marketing Group, Cine Theater, Destined Inc., First AME Church, John Hubbard Radio Station, Little Kings, Live Wire Athens, MEU Radio, NAACP Clarke County #5180, Manhattan, Morris Brown College Athens Alumni Chapter, Town and Gown, WXAG 92.7FM/1470 AM Radio, UGA Richard B. Russell Library, UGA Special Collections, Wilson’s Barber Shop, World Famous, Inc. 95.9 FM The Beat of Athens
Thanks to our sponsors for making the Hot Corner Festival happen!
