February is Black History Month--an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. During February we want to recognize some of the stellar Oklahomans in education.
John Hope Franklin, an Oklahoma native graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1931. Franklin received his bachelors from Fisk University, masters and PhD from Harvard University. In addition to his earned degrees he has received honorary degrees from over 70 institutions, including the University of Tulsa and the University of Oklahoma.
Franklin was a teacher through and through, and over his career he held positions at Fisk University, St. Augustine’s College, North Carolina College at Durham, Howard University, Brooklyn College, the University of Chicago and Duke University.
According to the Tulsa Historical Society: Franklin’s influence on America’s education has not been limited to those fortunate enough to attend his classes or be in the audience of his lectures. His career in publication began in 1943 with the appearance of "THE FREE NEGRO IN NORTH CAROLINA, 1790-1860" and has continued to the present time with the inclusion of ten additional volumes. The publication of "FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM; A HISTORY OF NEGRO AMERICANS in 1947" is an event of particular significance as the book has been widely used as the text for Black studies courses in universities throughout the world. In addition to his own books, Franklin’s publication in scholarly journals and his editorship of many editions have produced a body of work that has made a tremendous impact on the American public.
The astounding total of achievements and honors amassed by Franklin serves as a testament to the commitment to two simple principles learned in his earliest years. Reason and justice are principles that have led him from a limited, segregated Oklahoma in the 1930’s to his recognition as the preeminent American historian.
(https://www.tulsahistory.org/halloffame/john-hope-franklin)