John Hope Franklin: Imprint of an American Scholar

As a public scholar, John Hope Franklin holds a special place in public memory. Many of those who met him, heard him speak, or simply read his work were struck by his humility, grace, and ability to connect with people. In between teaching, writing, family, and civic activism, Franklin led a rigorous life in the public eye. A simple glance at his monthly calendar would leave one wondering how he kept up with it all.

He was not the kind of scholar who reserved himself for prestigious or glamous speaking engagements. Franklin's presence is documented at nearly every kind of public event imaginable: school graduations, public libraries, places of worship, local clubs and societies. The endearing nature of his personality and his commitment to engage with the community beyond the hallowed halls of academia made him one of the most revered public intellectuals of recent memory.