North Carolina Central University News January 30, 2015 NCCU and PNC Bank Celebrate 100th Birthday and Legacy of Late Historian Dr. John Hope Franklin North Carolina Central University is partnering with PNC Bank to host a series of events beginning in Black History Month that honor the contributions and accomplishments of historian and former professor of history at the university, Dr. John Hope Franklin. Franklin, who passed away in 2009, would have turned 100 on January 2, 2015. All the events are free and open to the public. NCCU's founder Dr. James E. Shepard recognized Franklin's brilliance, had him excused from service during World War II and brought him to the campus to teach in the history department. It was during his tenure as a history professor at then North Carolina College (NCC) for Negroes from 1943 to 1947 that Franklin wrote the first edition of his seminal work From Slavery to Freedom: A History of Negro Americans. Franklin contributed to the tradition of NCCU history majors pursuing the Ph.D. in history. The NCCU Department of History has sent more African-American students to receive the Ph.D. in history than any other historically black college or university in the country. "Dr. John Hope Franklin was an iconic member of our university community. He uniquely captured the historical contributions of African-American life and culture," said Dr. Debra Saunders-White, NCCU Chancellor. "The events honoring his life will provide the NCCU community, as well as our neighbors and citizens throughout the region, with a unique opportunity to experience the impact of Dr. Franklin's rich legacy." Scheduled events free and open to the public include: [*] "The NCCU Days" lecture by Dr. Freddie Parker, NCCU Department of History. Feb. 5, 11:35 a.m., Nursing Building Auditorium. [*] "Dr. John Hope Franklin: Friend and Colleague" discussion led by Dr. Walter Brown, former dean, NCCU School of Education. Feb. 10, 11:35 a.m., A.E. Student Union, Room 146. [*] "A Closer Look into the Life of Dr. John Hope Franklin" discussion led by students from NCCU's Department of History, Feb. 18, 1 p.m., A.E. Student Union, Room 146. [*] Pop Up Historical Display on Dr. Franklin, sponsored by NCCU's University Archives and James E. Shepard Memorial Library. Exhibit includes letters to and from Drs. Franklin and Shepard, as well as other memorabilia, and will be on display at each of the lectures and discussions noted above. A symposium honoring Franklin will be announced soon. "Joining North Carolina Central University to celebrate the important work and legacy of Dr. John Hope Franklin allows students and community members to engage with Black History Month in a tangible and meaningful way," said Jim Hansen, PNC regional president, Eastern Carolinas. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.