Michael Thurmond Presents “James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia” in Savannah Book Signing Event

Last Saturday, on June 29th, in Savannah’s Hyatt Regency, Michael Thurmond, Historian and DeKalb County CEO, held a book signing event for his latest work, “James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia: A Founder’s Journey from Slave Trader to Abolitionist“. Remarkable personalities from Savannah graced the event, including Mayor Van Johnson, State Representative Edna Jackson, and Fifth District County Commissioner Tanya Milton.

Oglethorpe’s Story Through a New Lens

Thurmond’s book, the result of over 24 years’ worth of research, provides a freshly unique take on the story of James Oglethorpe, Georgia’s founder. The book elevates Oglethorpe as a visionary and abolitionist, and not just the founder of Georgia. As Thurmond spoke at the event, he warned that his book does not conform to political correctness, due to the colonial era’s outlook on race, religion, and humanity.

The author detailed Oglethorpe’s transformation, which was influenced significantly by letters written by Ayuba Suleiman Diallo and Olaudah Equiano – two formerly enslaved African men. Thurmond’s discovery of these letters shifted his understanding of Oglethorpe’s perception of the enslaved Africans’ humanities.

Major Impact on the Founding Narrative

Thurmond described his latest book as the most crucial work of his career. In conversation with HERE News, Thurmond discussed the book’s impact, and how the true story of Oglethorpe’s legacy was “so well-hidden and so convoluted” that it was almost impossible to unravel.

According to Thurmond, Oglethorpe’s legacy served as inspiration to notable figures such as President Abraham Lincoln, abolitionist Granville Sharp, and church reformer John Wesley. In the current era of polarized public discussion, Thurmond positions his book as a response and an antidote.

Possible Implications for Savannah

During the Q&A session, Savannah’s Mayor Johnson addressed a question regarding the implications of the new insights about Oglethorpe for the city. Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of expanding history based on the new insights, assuring that the city would find ways to incorporate this knowledge in the years to come.

One attendee, Linda Johnson, a retired state employee, shared her takeaway from the discussion, emphasizing themes of respect, communication, trust, and breaking away from siloed tribal mentality. She admired Oglethorpe’s courage to call out what was right in his era, and called on current residents to do the same.