Avoice Celebrates the Life and Work of John Hope Franklin
Historian John Hope Franklin, author of the landmark book From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans, died of congestive heart failure Thursday, March 25th, 2009 at the age of 94 in Durham, North Carolina.
“We all grew up reading his books which helped us understand our heritage,” said Dr. Elsie L. Scott, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “As an adult, I had the pleasure of meeting him and spending time learning from him. He was always so gracious and accommodating, but we felt that he should be treated like royalty. I am so happy that unborn generations will be able to benefit from his research, thanks to the numerous books and articles he left behind.”
In addition to his prolific writings on the African-American experience, Franklin worked with Thurgood Marshall and other scholars to win the Brown v. Board of Education desegregation case in the Supreme Court and later served on many commissions and delegations including President Bill Clinton’s national commission on race relations where Franklin served as chair. Franklin’s work earned him over 100 honorary degrees from colleges and universities throughout the world as well as numerous awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Franklin’s contributions throughout his over 70 years of scholarship have helped shape the study not only African American history, but American history. The Avoice Virtual Library joins in remembering his life and the significance of his work for all people.
To learn more about John Hope Franklin visit the John Hope Franklin memorial website at www.duke.edu/johnhopefranklin/
Visit the Avoice Virtual Library at www.avoiceonline.org