Civil Rights Community Honors the Life of John Hope Franklin, Visionary and Scholar

“Today the civil rights community mourns the passing of Dr. John Hope Franklin, and remembers his life as an educator, renowned historian, a visionary, and a fierce advocate for a more just society.

Dr. Franklin’s contributions were essential to depicting a true and balanced view of the rich history belonging to all of America. His pioneering works, including From Slavery to Freedom, considered to be the definitive history of African Americans, and Mirror to America: The Autobiography of John Hope Franklin, continue to be widely read across the country and around the world.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the NAACP Spingarn Medal, and the Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights award from the Leadership Conference are among the many awards and honors Dr. Franklin garnered in his lifetime. 

Dr. Franklin’s legacy and work will continue to guide us along our national road to an equal and just society.  Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to make sure that the story of America includes the stories of us all, and today we honor his memory.”