Michigan Atheists Timeline
Michigan Atheists is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of atheists and the non-religious in Michigan. We are the oldest local atheist group in the country. Founded in the 1970s, the organization has a rich history of advocacy, activism, and community-building. Through a variety of events, programs, and campaigns, Michigan Atheists strives to raise awareness and educate the public about atheism and secularism, while providing a supportive and inclusive community for those who share these values.
First Atheist Television Program
WTVS-TV4, an educational channel, airs a one half hour program in the “It’s Your Turn” series. Michigan Atheists becomes first in the United States to produce, direct and host a TV program for and about Atheists and Atheism.
First Annual Summer Solstice Picnic
Michigan Atheists sponsors the first annual Summer Solstice Picnic in Michigan.
Protests Pope Visit
Michigan Atheists participates in the first picket of a Pope in Chicago. The Pop's visit uses tax dollars to showcase a religious leader.
Convention Host
Michigan hosts the tenth annual National Convention of American Atheists.
Protests White House
Michigan Atheists pickets the White House in protest of First Amendment violations.
First State Convention
Michigan Atheists holds the first annual Michigan State Convention.
First Atheist Pride March
Michigan Atheists participates in the the first “Atheist Pride March” in Denver, Colorado.
Address to American Atheists
State Director, Arlene Marie, speaks on behalf of Michigan Atheists during the American Atheists first press conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC.
First press conference
Michigan Atheists holds its first press conference. Michigan Atheists participates in the first “Godless March” in Washington DC.
First Darwin Celebration
Michigan Atheists holds its first annual Darwin Celebration.
Protest "Faith Based" Initiatives
Michigan Atheists participates in the nation’s first HUD demonstration to protest “Faith Based Initiatives”. These programs put tax dollars in the pockets of religious organizations.
Halts Bible Study
Michigan Atheists halt Bible study in Frankenmuth, Michigan public schools.
First 14th Amendment case
Michigan Atheists celebrate the first 14th Amendment case in Michigan for freedom of speech for Atheists.
Participates in Supreme Court case
Michigan Atheists participate in the Supreme Court case regarding the Pledge of Allegiance in Washington DC.
Wife Swap
Michigan Atheists participate in the ABC TV show “Wife Swap”.
Sponsors Camp Quest
Michigan Atheists co-sponsor Camp Quest of Michigan Inc., Michigan’s first secular camp for children.
First street tabling
Michigan Atheists first street table at the Ann Arbor art fair.
Detroit Lawsuit
Michigan Atheists are instrumental in American Atheists v. Detroit Downtown Development Authority, in which tax dollars are used to improve the appearance of local churches.
Blood Drive
On May 1st, together with godless organizations from all over the United States, go to their local blood banks and sign up for organ donor programs. Positive lifesaving action, not passive prayer, is the message.
Publishes book
Michigan Atheists publishes its first book Atheists Speak Out , a collection of essays authored by local Atheists.
National recognition
Michigan Atheists is nationally recognized as Atheist Group of the Year by American Atheists.
Reason Rally
Michigan Atheists participates in the nation’s first Reason Rally in Washington DC.
Annual State Convention
Michigan Atheists actively engaged in events like the Summer Solstice Picnic, art fair tabling, and supported Marshall v City of Warren, MI suite in Federal Court. Their year concludes with a State Convention featuring Rob Boston & Dan Barker, and Douglas Marshall was awarded Michigan Atheist of the Year .
State Director Arlene Marie Dies
Tragedy struck as longtime leader Arlene Marie passed just before the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Despite the loss, the group persevered, with George Shiffer stepping up as acting Director.
Joyce Uitti becomes State Director
George Shiffer steps aside and Joyce Uitti becomes State Director..
Michigan Atheist State Convention
Michigan Atheist Convention featured speakers Dale McGowan and Rebecca Markert in April. Throughout the summer, the group engaged in various events, including the Summer Solstice Picnic, Ferndale Pride tabling in June, and tabling at the Ann Arbor Art Fair in July, followed by the Allen Park Street Fair in August.
Business as Usual
Summer months were bustling for Michigan Atheists with their Summer Solstice Picnic and participation in the Ferndale Pride event in June. July saw them tabling at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, followed by a presence at the Allen Park Street Fair in August.
COVID Lockdown Begins
All operations curtailed due to COVID pandemic.
Pandemic Continues
All operations curtailed due to COVID pandemic.
Michigan Atheists Bounces Back
Michigan Atheists re-organizes and has first post-pandemic member meeting in May.
Michigan Atheists is a 501(c)3 non-profit (EIN 35-2646417) educational organization dedicated to providing social connection and support for fellow Atheists; advocating for the civil rights of Atheists; advocating for the complete and absolute separation of state and church; educating the public about Atheists and Atheism; and promoting public understanding and acceptance of Atheists as fellow citizens.