Session Abstract

Professor John Hope Franklin died on March 25^th, 2009. Franklin was a lion in the field of history, publishing several important books on African American and Southern history, including the magisterial and foundational text, From Slavery to Freedom; training a generation of scholars while at the University of Chicago from 1964 to 1983; and serving as the president of numerous professional organizations, including the American Studies Association, the Southern Historical Association, the Organization of American Historians, and the American Historical Association. Unfortunately, the timing of his death was such that the American Historical Association could not put together an “In Memoriam” panel that would have properly celebrated his life and work in time for the Annual Meeting in San Diego in January 2010. This panel will bring together a number of scholars who have worked with, and learned from, Professor Franklin. They will all share memories and provide thoughts on the legacy of Professor Franklin’s scholarship, teaching, and activism. Members of the audience will also be encouraged to share their memories and thoughts on this extraordinary figure.