AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) – The legacy of Auburn University‘s first African American student will go on forever after the university unveiled a desegregation area to commemorate his courageous efforts to undo the land grant institution.
The marker is located where Harold A. Franklin first signed up for class. The hardscape and the surrounding landscape were expanded and a bronze plaque was placed in the brick courtyard.
Franklin first incorporated Auburn on January 4, 1964. He died on September 9, 2021 at the age of 88. During his life, Franklin was a college professor for 27 years. He enrolled as a PhD student at Auburn University, graduated from the University of Denver, and then taught at the following schools:
- Alabama State University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Tuskegee Institute
- Talladega College
Franklin retired in 1992 and officially graduated from Auburn on December 12, 2021, after finally defending his dissertation at the Department of History in Auburn on February 19, 2020. In 2001 Franklin was awarded an honorary doctorate. Because a scholarship was named after Franklin and the Harold A. Franklin Society was founded on campus in his honor.
Harold Franklin Jr. shared a statement on his father’s behalf in a memorial press release.
“We can’t say anything more as a family except thank you for everything you’ve done. So I don’t want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, but from the bottom of my heart. “
Auburn President Jay Gogue also shared a statement in a press release recalling the importance of Franklin’s enrollment at the university.
“It’s an honor, Dr. With this court to pay tribute to Franklin as a pioneer who paved the way for other African American students to attend Auburn University. Auburn is due to Dr. Franklin’s courage a better institution 57 years ago, and his spirit of inner strength will continue to inspire us. “
The new badge, which was affixed to his matriculation office 57 years ago, reads in extracts:
“Harold A. Franklin”, “1964” and “Dr. Franklin’s daring journey is the epitome of a spirit that is not afraid. His story continues to move our hearts, stimulate our minds, and inspire our lives. The same Spirit dwells in us and reminds us that the truth will always prevail. “
