Michael Thurmond visits Macon as part of his statewide listening tour
“Only if we rise above it, it’s some people that are benefiting from the division,” said Thurmond, during his speech. “They want black against white. They want Republican against Democrat, because as long as we stay divided, we can't focus on solving the problems that are plaguing our state and our nation.”
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Over at the Mill Hill Community Art Center in Macon, the former Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County, Michael Thurmond made an appearance.
This visit was part of his statewide listening tour, while also promoting his new book James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia. According to former Macon Mayor Robert Reichert, one of the organizers of the event, the speech was meant to connect Oglethorpe’s ideals to today’s struggles with poverty, unemployment, incarceration, and inequality, urging a return to bold, ethical leadership that puts people over profit.
“I was in touch with Michael Thurmond and I asked him whether he’d be interested in coming to Macon and sharing his thoughts about the future of Georgia and his possible role in it and that’s a great question that all of us should ask,” said Reichert. “What can all of us do to improve the basic problem issues that we have in Georgia? Poverty, education, job opportunities, advancement, moving up homeownership, all of those things that we need to be thinking about and I reflect back on John F. Kennedy’s message in his inaugural address, ask not what your country can do for you and ask what you can do for your country and I think we need to adhere to that message.”
“Only if we rise above it, it’s some people that are benefiting from the division,” said Thurmond, during his speech. “They want black against white. They want Republican against Democrat, because as long as we stay divided, we can’t focus on solving the problems that are plaguing our state and our nation.”
Thurmond also signed books and answered questions from those in attendance, which included other city officials and community members.
“We had a very diverse group of people here today. Seeing how people are beginning to understand that only if we work together, if we cause the political and socio economic racial divide, that we can come together, develop common solutions, and solve some of the more retractable problems that we face as a state.”
While many in the community have been wondering if he will run for Governor, he says,
“I’m taking it under consideration. I’m traveling around the state of Georgia talking, engaging in a conversation with Georgians about their hopes, their fears, the challenges that we face as a state. The first and I think the most important trait of a leader is to be able to listen and to listen with purpose and intent out of that, it will help me make my final decision.”
