Durwood Snead

Durwood Snead is a prominent figure in Forsyth County, Georgia, known for his efforts in addressing the county's historical racial injustices. He is the President of the Forsyth Descendants Foundation and co-founder of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, which aims to provide educational opportunities for descendants of Black families who were forcibly expelled from the county in 1912 during a racial cleansing event. This scholarship initiative offers up to $10,000 in funding for college education, helping to honor the legacy of those affected by this historical injustice.145

Background and Career:: Snead is a retired pastor from North Point Ministries, where he served for nearly two decades before retiring in 2018. His career prior to ministry spanned 26 years in the business sector.34 He moved to Forsyth County in the late 1980s and became increasingly aware of its troubled racial history, which motivated him to engage in community reconciliation efforts.25

Community Involvement:: In addition to his role with the Forsyth Descendants Foundation, Snead has been actively involved with various local initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and healing community wounds. He emphasizes that the scholarship program is not about reparations but rather an act of love and responsibility towards future generations.26 His advocacy includes public speaking engagements where he discusses the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past to foster a more inclusive future.23

Snead's work reflects a commitment to social justice and community healing, making him a significant figure in ongoing discussions about race relations in Forsyth County and beyond.