John Hope Franklin was a prominent African American historian, best known for his groundbreaking scholarship on the African American experience and race relations in the United States. He was born on January 2, 1915, in Rentiesville, Oklahoma, and grew up in a family that valued education and social activism.

Franklin earned his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University in 1941, becoming one of the first African Americans to do so. Throughout his career, he held teaching positions at several prestigious universities, including Howard University, University of Chicago, and Duke University, where he became the James B. Duke Professor of History.

Franklin is best known for his seminal work, "From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans," first published in 1947. This groundbreaking book provided a comprehensive overview of African American history from the time of slavery to the civil rights movement, highlighting the resilience and contributions of African Americans to American society.

In addition to his scholarly contributions, Franklin was also a prominent civil rights activist. He served on various government commissions and panels, including President Bill Clinton's Initiative on Race, and was a strong advocate for racial equality and justice.

John Hope Franklin's work has had a lasting impact on the study of African American history and has inspired generations of scholars and activists. He passed away on March 25, 2009, but his legacy continues to influence our understanding of Black history and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.