About us

The Abbott Institute is composed of multi-cultural members who come together to promote mutual understanding and build community-based programs that advocate for our mission. We are headquartered in Coastal Georgia, a region rich in cultural diversity and history.

Our Mission

The Robert S. Abbott Race Unity Institute was founded to actively support racial and religious harmony, advocate for social justice, and foster relationships between people of multi-racial backgrounds, with the purpose of transcending and ending discrimination.

Our Story

Our Vision

The Abbott Institute envisions a community where healing and reconciliation are common among people of all identities, social justice is upheld and honored, and people honestly engage in history to engage more truthfully in the present.

Our Vision

Harmony. Understanding. Respect. Love. Equality. Diversity. Excellence. Empathy. Forgiveness. Cooperation. Truth. Trust. Integrity. Gratitude. Unity.

We believe that only through accomplishing unity among races can peace be attained. We believe in expanding understanding and respect for people of all cultures and building on the common core beliefs and values of all.

We Embrace it all

Our Board

LaTanya Abbott-Austin

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LaTanya has extensive expertise in nonprofit services, entrepreneurship, sales, marketing and community development. She is President of the Abbott Race Unity Institute and a direct descendant of the Abbott family.

Gloria Futch

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Gloria’s a retired payroll accountant but also spent years serving disabled adults. She’s now employed by schools to help young adults with disabilities and is active in her church’s outreach.

Natasha Jovin

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Natasha’s been an advocate for inclusion and unity in her professional and personal life. Currently, working with a fundraising platform, she is also an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, with her own practice

Bonnie Springer

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Bonnie is a PhD and Emeritus Associate Professor of Special Education. Her work included teacher education and music therapy. Her retirement work focuses on building equitable and loving communities.

Carolyn Carver

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Mrs. Carter is a retired assistant professor of nursing from Brunswick College, now known as The College of Coastal Georgia. She’s an active participant in her community and church.

Roxanne George

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Roxane has worked in various non-profit roles focused on social justice, wildlands conservation, animal welfare, direct service and the arts. She is now the CDBG-DR Manager for the city of Brunswick, Ga.

Andrea Lawson

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Andrea has been in leadership in public sector and nonprofit management. She’s certified as an Appraiser, with over 30 years of experience in County government, in Real and Personal property.

Melinda Ennis-Roughton

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Melinda is a marketing consultant and writer, with a background as a C-level marketing executive and non-profit leader. She serves on several non-profit boards to support her community.

Audrey Gibbons

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Audrey is the owner of OKAY and Associates Accounting in Brunswick. She serves on the Glynn County Board of Education and is an active participant on many community boards.

Donte Nunnally

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Donte is a multi-media journalist, creative marketing and graphic designer. He has more than 20 years of experience in the publishing industry and is passionate about making our community better.

Our Story

About Robert S. Abbott

The Robert S. Abbott Race Unity Institute is named after Robert S. Abbott, a trailblazing African-American publisher and son of formerly enslaved parents. His life’s work and legacy are the foundation of our mission to foster relationships among people of diverse backgrounds and promote racial and religious harmony and social justice.

Make a difference.

Join us today and start enjoying the benefits of ARUI membership. Simply fill out our membership application form, pay dues, and become part of our community.

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