Ditching slaveholder’s name, Georgia Audubon to rebrand as Birds Georgia

An  organization well-known for protecting feathered friends in Georgia is distancing itself from the scrutiny of its former namesake’s racist acts. Georgia Audubon has decided to change its name to Birds Georgia, aligning with a broader trend among local chapters associated with the National Audubon Society. 

This shift is driven by a growing awareness of the legacy of John James Audubon, the 19th-century artist known for his bird illustrations, who also had a history of enslavement and held white supremacist views. The group’s board of directors made the announcement of the rebranding to “Birds Georgia,” but says their goal of defending wild birds and their habitats will remain.

Several other chapters, such as Detroit, Chicago, New York City, and the California bay area (previously known as the “Golden Gate Audubon Society” and now the “Golden Gate Bird Alliance”), have also dropped the Audubon name in response to these concerns.

The decision to rebrand as Birds Georgia aims to reach a wider audience of bird enthusiasts and does not impact the group’s governance, fundraising, or logo. The move is supported by the organization’s members, who have expressed in surveys and listening sessions that the association with Audubon was not only due to his racist legacy but also because many Americans are unfamiliar with his identity and the organization’s values.

The name change reflects a broader movement within birding circles to address enduring racial divisions, especially following an incident of harassment involving a Black bird watcher in New York City in 2020.

Jared Teutsch, the executive director of the Georgia state chapter, sees the name change as an opportunity for the organization to refocus on its mission of creating environments where both birds and people thrive. He also suggests that this change is a return to the group’s origins as the Atlanta Bird Club nearly a century ago, signaling a fresh start for the organization.

“While we may be changing our name to Birds Georgia, we are not changing our mission or the critical work we do to protect birds across the state,” said Board Chair Paige Martin.