John Hope Franklin was a prominent African American historian who made significant contributions to the study of Black history and American history as a whole. He was born on January 2, 1915, in Rentiesville, Oklahoma. Franklin is best known for his groundbreaking work "From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans," which was first published in 1947 and has since become a classic in the field of African American history.

Franklin was a pioneering scholar who focused on the history of African Americans and worked to ensure that their stories and contributions were recognized and included in mainstream historical narratives. He held various academic positions throughout his career, including at prominent institutions such as Howard University, the University of Chicago, and Duke University.

In addition to his research and writing, Franklin was also a prominent civil rights activist. He served on various government commissions and advisory boards, including serving as the chairman of President Bill Clinton's Initiative on Race. Throughout his life, Franklin received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the field of history and his advocacy for civil rights.

John Hope Franklin passed away on March 25, 2009, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a scholar, activist, and pioneer in the field of African American history.