Ray MacNair

Ray MacNair was a prominent figure in the field of economic justice and social activism. He served as the Co-chair of the Economic Justice Coalition (EJC) at the University of Georgia.3 MacNair's involvement with the EJC began after his retirement from the University of Georgia in 2003, where he had been a faculty member in the School of Social Work.2

Background and Career

MacNair joined the Social Work faculty at the University of Georgia in 1975, where he taught community organization and development.5 Upon his retirement in 2003, he became a faculty member emeritus.2 It was at this time that he founded and co-chaired the Economic Justice Coalition.24

Contributions to Economic Justice

MacNair's work with the EJC focused on several key areas:

1. Living Wages: He was instrumental in advocating for living wages and benefits for workers.12
2. Migrant Worker Support: In the early days of the EJC, MacNair worked directly with migrant workers in the Athens area, empowering them to know their rights and connecting them with support organizations.1
3. Voter Registration: Under his leadership, the EJC coordinated canvassers in thirteen counties in Northeast Georgia, registering over 19,000 voters since 2003.1

Legacy

Ray MacNair's dedication to economic justice and community organizing left a lasting impact. The Economic Justice Coalition continues to operate as a dynamic organization, carrying forward MacNair's vision of empowering workers, advocating for fair wages, and promoting civic engagement.1 His contributions to the field were recognized with the establishment of the Ray MacNair Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented to local advocates for their work in economic justice.26