John Hope Franklin was a prominent and influential African American historian who made significant contributions to the study of African American history and race relations in the United States. Born in 1915 in Rentiesville, Oklahoma, Franklin faced racial discrimination throughout his life, which fueled his passion for studying and documenting the history of African Americans.

Franklin is best known for his groundbreaking work, "From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans," first published in 1947. This seminal work provided a comprehensive overview of African American history from the time of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement. It remains a widely acclaimed and authoritative text on African American history.

In addition to his scholarly work, Franklin was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. He served on various government commissions and advisory boards and played a key role in advancing civil rights legislation in the 1960s. Franklin also served as the president of the American Historical Association, becoming the first African American to hold that position.

Throughout his career, Franklin received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of history and his advocacy for racial equality. His work continues to inspire generations of scholars and activists to study and learn from the rich history of African Americans in the United States. John Hope Franklin passed away in 2009, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering historian and advocate for social change.