converting AWT game applets

I created several game applets back in the day with my own pixel renderer (I’m still quite proud of how well it performed). I am thinking about converting (or porting) these games.

What would you recommend? Also is there any AWT-like 2d graphics library/framework/SDK in java/c++ I could use?

yes, see the Resources Page.

Likely either PulpCore or Slick2D should be good enough for your needs.