Chattanooga's first black elected official to receive Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award

John Franklin Sr., former vice mayor and the first elected black official in Chattanooga, talks to guests during an event held by the Chattanooga History Museum about M.L. King Boulevard on Tuesday.
John Franklin Sr., former vice mayor and the first elected black official in Chattanooga, talks to guests during an event held by the Chattanooga History Museum about M.L. King Boulevard on Tuesday.
photo John Franklin Sr. was Commissioner of Education and Health, vice mayor and the first elected black official in the city of Chattanooga.
John P. Franklin Sr., Chattanooga's first black elected official, will receive the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga's 2015 Distinguished Service Award for outstanding community leadership during a luncheon on Feb. 16 at The Chattanoogan.

Kiwanians have annually presented the Distinguished Service Award since 1922. It is given in recognition of an individual's outstanding leadership and service to the community.

"He is well-known for his humble and gentle spirit, and is admired by many for being a true leader for over 60 years. His legacy is that he has touched and molded the lives of many as an educator, entrepreneur, elected government official, community leader, devoted family man and Christian," said Kiwanis member Jules Kinder in a release announcing the recipient.

After graduating from Howard High School, Franklin attended Tuskegee Institute for two years before beginning service in the Army in 1942. Upon returning to Chattanooga after World War II, he worked for the family business, Franklin Funeral Home. In 1950, he earned a degree in physical education from Fisk University, followed by a master's degree in education and health in 1951 from Indiana University.

Franklin was a coach and teacher at Orchard Knob Junior High School before being selected to head the physical education program for black secondary schools in the city. In 1960, he was named principal of W.J. Davenport School and a year later went to Alton Park Junior High School as principal until 1971.

In 1971, Franklin successfully ran for Commissioner of Education and Health, holding the position for 20 years. He served as vice mayor for four of five terms, chairman of the City School Board and, in 1981, served as president of the Tennessee School Boards Association.

He left government in 1991, and continues to assist his family with operation of the funeral home.

He has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors from professional and civic groups for his educational and civic involvement.

Upcoming Events