How did Georgia founder James Oglethorpe go from slave trader to abolitionist? DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond's new book uncovers gaps in our state history.

On this week’s Political Breakfast, we’re joined by special guest, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, who is also an author and longtime historian!

His new book is titled, ‘James Oglethorpe: Father of Georgia, A founder’s journey from slave trader to abolitionist.’

It’s been a decades-long journey for Thurmond.

In 1996, he was part of a delegation that traveled to England to celebrate the 300th birthday of British native Oglethorpe, who founded the British colony of Georgia in 1733.

Thurmond starts by telling host Lisa Rayam and strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson that the idea for the book struck while Thurmond explored the legacy of Georgia’s founder at his grave in London.