Harold Franklin, first African American student enrolled at Auburn, speaks at Black History Month event

Published: February 07, 2020

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Harold A. Franklin, the first African American student enrolled at Auburn, kicked off Black History Month events by speaking at the Black Student Union’s, or BSU, general assembly on Feb. 3. The event was in partnership with the Harold A. Franklin Society and the Student Alumni Association. BSU was founded to enhance the academic, social and professional development of underrepresented male Auburn students.

Franklin shared his thoughts on the opportunity of being the first African American student at Auburn and described his experiences on campus. He recalled his first day at Auburn and shared his experiences as a student. He discussed an instance where he was ridiculed by an officer for not having a student ID, even though a student ID had not yet been given to him. He also discussed his time traveling back and forth to Montgomery because his wife was pregnant with their son. Franklin did not receive his doctorate from Auburn, but he received an honorary graduate degree that he said was a pleasant surprise.

"This meeting was exactly what black Auburn students needed," said Tyler Ward. "Dr. Harold A. Franklin showed us that the entire reason he kept going past the discrimination and oppression was because he had us in mind. He encouraged us to walk with honesty and true to ourselves. He addressed that though barriers still exist at Auburn, we must keep the mindset of those who are coming after us. He left an impact on every single student form every background in that room. An impact that requires us to search our own hearts, seek our own future, and remain true in those things in a pursuit that may be filled with barriers. He gave us a piece of history that is often skewed or forgotten. He reminded us that our role at Auburn is more than just us. Not only was he a piece of history, but so are we. He has written his legacy: one of honesty and strength. Now, we must write ours."

Submitted by: Tyler Ward