“Hey, Google! — Who taught in Wrens and Valdosta from 1966-1972; moved to Statesboro, and became the first black professor at Georgia Southern University in 1973; retired in 1996 as full Professor Emeritus, becoming the first black professor to earn full professorship in 1991; gained notoriety as the “Reading Professor” by giving “reading buddies” (stuffed animals) to children as he read wearing full academic regalia; and in 2009 penned, sang and produced his own Christmas carol CD— all while blind?” “Your answer,” says Google, “is Dr. Charles Wesley Bonds II, Ed.D.” He resides in Statesboro with his wife of 49 years, Dr. Lella Theresa Gantt Bonds, and says that he “never would have accomplished anything if not for her.” Their son is Charles Wesley Bonds III, and granddaughter Charlize Theresa Bonds is 13.
Dr. Charles Bonds II: Headed for greatness
Bulloch County Black History Month 2018