April is Global Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week is April 19-25th.
We want to give a shout to our amazing volunteers who always bring their warmth, empathy, and expertise to the Center. From our reopening in November 2025 to March 2026, our volunteers have given 1,807 hours of service, lending indispensable support to the Center at a critical and busy time. According to Independent Sector, the current estimated national value of each volunteer hour is $34.79, giving their total sum of hours a value of $62,875. We thank each volunteer for giving their time to the Center. You are all greatly appreciated!
We are highlighting three amazing volunteers who all started with us at the reopening of the Center: Jason Adeyemi, Robbye Bell, and Karen Singleton. All three of them have earned the NCCHR Bronze Medal for Volunteer Service, having completed at least 100 hours of volunteer service (or 50 hours for teens/juniors).
Jason Adeyemi
Jason Adeyemi, a high school student, volunteers at the Center because “the center brings powerful stories to life, showing how past struggles for justice and equality continue to influence opportunity and access today. I enjoy helping visitors engage with these connections and think critically about how history impacts the systems that shape our world.” Jason Adeyemi is a co-founder of The Shoeless Ones, a non-profit organization that collects and distributes gently worn athletic shoes to players in youth soccer leagues in the United States and Nigeria. Through this initiative, he’s given over 850 pairs of shoes while leading and organizing donation drives. He also volunteers at the Gwinnett Public Library, where he offers support for children’s programming. He’s an avid soccer player, competing at the highest level through MLS Next with Atlanta United FC’s Academy.
Robbye Bell
Robbye Bell started as a retiree looking for volunteer opportunities and was intrigued by the prospect of serving at the Center. Robbye says, “I thought that could be interesting. But I never realized what an opportunity and experience it would be. Being surrounded by my past and history that is in this building is truly amazing.” She had previously volunteered for the Atlanta Public School System’s “Everyone Wins” reading program, helping students improve their reading skills. “Volunteering has been a heartwarming experience: creating new bonds and friendships and forging lifelong connections.” Robbye’s excellent customer service skills and dedication to service ultimately led to her being hired. She currently works for our Events department as an Events Assistant. When she’s not working, she enjoys interior design, gardening, learning the piano, and baking.
Karen Singleton
Karen Singleton heard about volunteering at the Center through a friend, and she’s been a mainstay ever since. Karen loves to interact with our guests and staff while also being surrounded by history. She volunteers for many organizations, including the Bronze Lens Film Fest of Atlanta. Karen says, “Each day that I show up to serve brings me great joy. There is nothing more rewarding than being surrounded by history and connecting with guests to hear their incredible stories.” She has a deep passion for civic service. “I have a servant’s heart; therefore, my daily goal is to be a source of help, inspiration, and warmth to the people I interact with.” When she’s not volunteering, she has many hobbies she shares with her family, including roller skating, bowling, card games, and board games.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, you can learn more here and apply. We also have volunteer opportunities for corporate groups. Please reach out to Kelly Crosby at [email protected].
