Rest in peace, John Hope Franklin

Submitted by Dan B on Wed, 03/25/2009 - 3:54pm

My friend John Hope Franklin died this morning at the age of 94. He was many things -- a great historian, a great scholar, a great activist, and a great North Carolinian, to name a few. I could spend a day blogging about John Hope's life (I lack the stature to provide a fitting eulogy), but I think it is more fitting to use his own words to describe this great man:

"I want to be out there on the firing line, helping, directing or doing something to try to make this a better world, a better place to live."

Those are inspirational words, the kind of words that we should all hope to live by.

His biography and memorial website, both courtesy of Duke University.

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Gov Perdue Statement

Submitted by Jerimee on Wed, 03/25/2009 - 4:01pm.

"John Hope Franklin was a tremendous leader, historian and friend to North Carolina and to the nation." said Governor Perdue. "He personified giving and his work to advance the understanding of African-American contributions was unmatched by any other. He will be sadly missed."

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This is a tremendous loss

Submitted by Betsy Muse on Wed, 03/25/2009 - 4:15pm.

John Hope Franklin's words will live on to guide many generations of activists seeking to make the world a better place to live.



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Vote Democratic, the ass you save may be your own.

President Obama comments on the passing of Dr. Franklin

Submitted by Betsy Muse on Wed, 03/25/2009 - 9:42pm.

“Because of the life John Hope Franklin lived, the public service he rendered, and the scholarship that was the mark of his distinguished career, we all have a richer understanding of who we are as Americans and our journey as a people. Dr. Franklin will be deeply missed, but his legacy is one that will surely endure. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones, as our nation mourns his loss.”



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Vote Democratic, the ass you save may be your own.

A Good and Great American Who Called North Carolina Home

Submitted by Hampton D on Wed, 03/25/2009 - 10:24pm.

Daniel, thanks so much for posting the sorrowful news of Dr. Franklin's passing. Like you, I find writing about a person of such intellect, import, courage, and eloquence intimidating.

I know of no American alive during recent years who knew more about how far we've come as a nation ... and how far we have to go.

He is now with his beloved and wonderful wife Aurelia.

Behind is the world he both chronicled and bettered, and a United States President whose election was the culmination of dream Dr. Franklin thought he would never live to see fulfilled.

I am grateful that he did.

Hampton Dellinger