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