The Author Series Committee at DPL is pleased to welcome historian John Garrison Marks, who will be discussing his latest book, Thy Will Be Done: George Washington’s Legacy of Slavery and the Fight for American Memory (The University of North Carolina Press, 2026). The book raises a key question about the first president: How should we remember George Washington’s entanglement in slavery?

For the better part of 250 years, Americans have viewed Washington’s entanglements with slavery through the lens of their particular cultural and political moments, selectively remembering Washington’s history as one of the nation’s most prolific enslavers and the architect of one of the its largest private emancipations. The book dives deep into this history, exploring how successive generations have grappled with slavery’s place in Washington’s legacy, offering a new historical foundation for today’s debates about slavery and the nation’s founding.

Joining John in conversation is Lance Wheeler, Vice President of Learning & Engagement at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

Copies of Thy Will Be Done will be available for purchase from Detroit's 27th Letter Books!

About John: John Garrison Marks is a historian and writer exploring the United States' histories of race, slavery, and public memory. He is the author or editor of three books, and his writing has appeared in the Washington Post, TIME, Smithsonian Magazine, and elsewhere. His latest book,Thy Will Be Done: George Washington's Legacy of Slavery and the Fight for American Memory, explores how generations of Americans have made sense of George Washington's involvement in slavery. Marks currently works as the Vice President of Research and Engagement for the American Association for State and Local History, the national professional association for public history practitioners and institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Rice University. He is a New Jersey native currently living outside Washington, DC.

About Lance: Lance Wheeler serves as the Vice President of Learning & Engagement at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, where he leads a dynamic team in creating and overseeing high-quality, impactful tours and educational programs for all ages. An esteemed curator, museum practitioner, and cultural strategist, Wheeler is recognized for his influential work with organizations focused on community and civil rights. His expertise has advanced the missions of prominent institutions, including the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute, Mississippi Food System, Margaret Walker Center & C.O.F.O. Education Center, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

As the inaugural Curator of Interpretation and Curator of Exhibitions at the Two Mississippi Museums, Wheeler played a key role in building strategic partnerships, driving fundraising efforts, and delivering public presentations on topics such as race, civil rights, and African American history. He launched the 'Martin Luther King, Jr. Night of Culture,' initiated the 'R.E.A.D. – Read, Engage, and Discover' program, and organized 'History Happy Hour' events, successfully connecting with diverse audiences and strengthening community ties.

In his consulting work, Wheeler has supported the Mississippi Food Systems Fellowship as a cultural strategist and curator, helping fellows explore Black, Brown, and Indigenous histories while advancing the art of storytelling. At the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute, he has developed programs that honor the Evers' legacy, facilitated conversations on race and equity, and collaborated with various organizations to bring innovative educational methods to life.

A sought-after moderator and facilitator, Wheeler leads courageous conversations on some of today's most critical and complex topics, including racism, anti-racism, and the Civil Rights Movement. His ability to create safe, thoughtful, and engaging spaces for dialogue has made him a trusted voice for institutions, communities, and organizations seeking to advance understanding and promote equity.

Wheeler's work is grounded in a strong academic foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and minor in Education from Belmont Abbey College and a Master of Arts in History with a concentration in Museum Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and he recently earned his Master of Business Administration from Antioch University — a combination that uniquely positions him to lead at the intersection of cultural mission and organizational strategy.

Guided by the belief that museums are not just repositories of artifacts but spaces that link the past, present, and future, Wheeler remains a transformative leader in the museum sector, driving critical dialogue and fostering community engagement through his inclusive and forward-thinking approach. In his own words:

"In its simplest form, museums are more than buildings that house artifacts; museums are and should be places that take individuals on a spiritual journey bridging the past with the present and beyond."

This is NOT a ticketed event, which means seats are available on a first-come, first serve basis. Questions? Email msummers@detroitpubliclibrary.org!