Historical work by DeKalb CEO highlights James Oglethorpe's journey to racial tolerance

March 27th, 2024

Author Michael Thurmond speaks during an interview with Associated Press about his new book, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Stone Mountain, Ga. A new book by Michael Thurmond entitled “James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia” focuses on Georgia's white founding father’s failed attempt to ban slavery after starting Britain's 13th American colony in 1733. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Georgia colony, founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe, aimed to provide an opportunity for England’s “worthy poor” and persecuted Christians to find financial security by farming in the New World.

Unlike other colonies, Georgia initially prohibited slavery due to Oglethorpe’s strong opposition to the practice.

In “James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia,” author Michael Thurmond explores this lesser-known aspect of Oglethorpe’s life, shedding light on Georgia’s abolitionist roots. Thurmond is the CEO of DeKalb and a former Georgia labor commissioner.

Thurmond joined “All Things Considered” to talk about what he learned in writing the book.

He said Oglethorpe’s transformation from slave trader to abolitionist was influenced by his relationships with two formerly enslaved Black men, Ayuba Suleiman Diallo and Olaudah Equiano.

Christopher Alston contributed to this report.