John Hope Franklin From Slavery To Freedom Pdf
John Hope Franklin was an outstanding historian who contributed immensely to the field of African American history. His works have transformed the way American history is studied by providing an in-depth analysis of the African American experience. His most notable work, From Slavery to Freedom, is a comprehensive history of African Americans from their arrival in the New World to the present day.
Early Life and Education
John Hope Franklin was born in Rentiesville, Oklahoma in 1915. His parents, Buck and Mollie Franklin, were both schoolteachers who valued education. Despite the limited resources available to African Americans in Oklahoma at that time, his parents managed to provide him with a solid education. He attended racially segregated schools and later went to Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in history in 1935.
Career and Accomplishments
After completing his undergraduate studies, John Hope Franklin went on to earn a master's degree and a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University. He became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in history from that prestigious university. His doctoral dissertation, The Free Negro in North Carolina, was an early examination of the experiences of free African Americans during the antebellum period.
In 1947, John Hope Franklin accepted a teaching position at Howard University, a historically black college in Washington, D.C. He stayed there until 1956 when he moved on to the all-white Brooklyn College in New York. He later worked at the University of Chicago, where he was appointed chair of the department of history in 1964.
John Hope Franklin received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1978, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Jimmy Carter. In 1983, he was elected president of the American Historical Association, becoming the first African American to hold that office. He was also a member of the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans under President Barack Obama.
From Slavery to Freedom
John Hope Franklin's most famous work is From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans. The book was first published in 1947 and has since been updated and revised numerous times. It is considered a definitive history of African Americans and is widely used in college classrooms across the country.
The book covers the entire history of African Americans, from their arrival in the New World as slaves to their struggle for civil rights in the 20th century. It examines the cultural, social, and economic factors that have shaped the African American experience throughout history. It is a powerful reminder of the many challenges that African Americans have faced and overcome throughout history.
Legacy
John Hope Franklin passed away in 2009, but his legacy continues to live on. He inspired a generation of African American historians and scholars to explore and document the African American experience. His books and articles continue to be widely read and studied, and his contributions to the field of African American history have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.
John Hope Franklin's life and work serve as a reminder of the importance of education and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. His dedication to the study of African American history has helped to shed light on a long-neglected subject and has provided a deeper understanding of the African American experience throughout history.
Conclusion
John Hope Franklin was a visionary historian who transformed the way American history is studied. His masterful work, From Slavery to Freedom, is a comprehensive history of African Americans that has become a classic in the field. His legacy continues to inspire and educate people across the country, reminding us of the importance of understanding and appreciating our shared history.