“We are honored to have Michael Thurmond as a guest at the Cyclorama for a discussion entitled Freedom: Georgia’s Critical Role in the African-American Quest for Equality,” says Camille Russell Love, Director of the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs. “The lecture will be based on Thurmond’s landmark book, Freedom, which contains some fascinating and little known facts about Georgia history, and his thoughts on how the Civil War redefined America. It will be a stimulating conversation, and we invite you to join us at the Atlanta Cyclorama on Thursday, June 20 at 6:00 pm for a memorable evening. The event is FREE and open to the public.”
The Cyclorama’s Summer Speaker Series continues with special guest Michael Thurmond. Whether you are a long-time Georgia resident, student of history or African-American studies, you’ll find this talk informative and interesting.
Former Labor Commissioner for State of Georgia & Author Michael Thurmond spent 9 ½ years researching his book, Freedom. In fact he confides that he’ll probably spend the rest of his life trying to recapture the true history of Georgia. Thurmond argues that since the state’s founding, Georgia has been central in the debate of freedom and equality for African-Americans. From its origins as an anti-slavery state settled by General James Olgethorpe in the early 1730’s, to the modern Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Georgia has served both as a source of controversy and as a beacon of hope for African-Americans in their struggle for equality. “It’s a fascinating story and the glue that holds my book together is the desire for all people to be free… regardless of their race, class, religion or ethnic origin,” he explains.
The Cyclorama is conveniently located near downtown Atlanta, in Historic Grant Park, at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315. For more information visit their website: www.atlantacyclorama.org.