(405) 425-5070

Georgia church member is first black male to become national PTA president


Otha Thornton (Photo by Jon-Michael Sullivan, via mdjonline.com)

11Alive in Atlanta reports:

He is Georgia-born, Georgia-raised, and a Georgia resident. Now Otha Thornton has taken one of the most pivotal posts in American education.
Last month, Thornton was named the president of the national PTA (Parent Teacher Association). He is the first African-American male to hold that position.
“It gives me an opportunity to serve our nation and serve our children,” Thornton said.

During the day Thornton works at Fort Stewart Military Base, overseeing battle simulation in the classroom as a private contractor. He holds the PTA position as a side job — and as a volunteer.

A Morehouse graduate, Thornton spent his first adult chapter in the military, most recent leading the draw-down of forces in Iraq. He was most moved by his work with the Iraqi children.
“Just working with the kids and seeing the lack of resources some of them had,” Thornton said, “we were able to bring kids out of the war-torn cities of Iraq, bring them to the base, and give them a safe place every Saturday.”

See the full story, and read Thornton’s bio on the National PTA’s website.
Thornton and his family attend the Richmond Hill Church of Christ near Savannah, Ga. Before moving to Fort Stewart, near Hinesville, Ga., the family worshiped with the West End Church of Christ in Atlanta.

  • Feedback
    Congratulations, Otha. We’re proud of you.
    David and Boryana Emery
    David Emery
    August, 6 2013

Filed under: News Extras News Links

View Comments

Don’t miss out on more stories like this.

Subscribe today to receive more inspiring articles like this one delivered straight to your inbox twice a month.

Did you enjoy this article?

Your donation helps us not only keep our quality of journalism high, but helps us continue to reach more people in the Churches of Christ community.

$
Personal Info

Dedicate this Donation

In Honor/Memory of Details

Card Notification Details

Credit Card Info
This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.
Billing Details

Donation Total: $3 One Time