Daniel Writes:
In reading John Hope Franklin's autobiography I have been taking note of various quotes that either appealed to me for whatever reason, or that stood out in describing each chapter/phase of his life...
CH. I: No Crystal Stair
The three concepts I took from the first chapter on Franklins childhood, was the powerful and supportive influence John's parents shadowed over him and his siblings, the importance Frankin has found in interrelationships, and his early interest in History as an adolescent.
"If you do you best, the angels connot do any better." p. 5.... This quote is from Johns mother Mollie, who always entrusted in her son high values and morals. I liked this quote because it shows at an earyl age how influential Johns mother will be in guiding him through life's hardships.
"History knows no bounds, either in the human experience or in the rules governing who is eligble to record it." p.8... Franklin was one of the first African Americans to take a sincere interest in such professional and organizational groups that worked towards equality and justice. Franklin is trying to say that the possibilities are endless for one to change the course of history. With each day, comes a new experience, a new opportunity, in Franklins eyes, to change the world he is living in for the better. He makes this presumption clear when he explains "with the tools of scholarship that I strove to dismantle those laws, level those obstacles and disadvantages, and replace superstitions with humane dignity." p. 3
"I can only hope, that they realize, as do I, how interdependent we all our and how much more rewarding and fulfilling life is whenever we reach a level of understanding where we can fully appreciate the extent of our interrelationships with and our reliance on those who came before us, kept us company during our lives, and will come after us." p.8... This quote is probably my favorite so far. It captures Franklins feelings and gratitude towards the important people in his life and those before him. As an Historian Franklin realizes that we are all tied together in one fashion or another. He further exemplifies his appreciation for such prominent figures by dedicating his autobiography to "all his students".
Ch. II: The World of My Youth
In this chapter Franklin talks about his childhood in Rentiesville before his move to Tulsa in 1925. This proves to be an extremely important phase in Franklins life as he will demonstrate the very same qualities that he was brought up with throughout his career as a scholar. Johns father, Buck set a very high example of leadership, hard work, and disciplen. Facing some of the most direct and insuting racial comments as a professional in law, Buck was never set back and used these moments of hatred as a lesson to prove himself in other directions. "No nigger represented anyone in his court." p. 10. John Hope recalls a time when his father Buck was representing a defendent in court and the judge responded with such negativity. This scenario helps illustrate how blacks were treated at this time, 1911, especially those African Americans who were trying to excel in a profession predominantly held by whites. John saw these racial experiences as a means of motivation and determination to prove to the world and to himself that he was capable of great things, and race would not have any bearing on it whatsoever.
The reason for Johns quick learning came as a result of his early experience with his mother in the school system. At a time when day care centers simply did not exist, it was difficult for a mother to go to work and leave her children at hom. For Mollie Franklin this proved more convenient, for she could bring her son to school with her. Franklin recalls that well before the age of five he was able to read and write. This will be beneficial later in life, as John holds various jobs as a enthusiastic orator. As mentioned earlier Johns mother played a crucial role in his upbringing. The values and qualities that Buck Franklin displayed did not disappear when he was working alone in Tulsa for several years. John makes note of the same qualites passed down, if not more so from his mother. "It was her ability to match my fathers own spirit of courageous self-discipline and a resilience that in hindsight is all the more remarkable given the lack of fanfare with which it was so routinely mustered." p. 18
Ch. III: From Rentiesville to T-Town
Probably the most important part of Franklins childhood were the six years he spent living in Tulsa, Oklahoma with his family. John attended Booker T. Washington High School in North Tulsa, the premoninantly black population. If Booker T. H.S. had a mission statement, it wouldn't be too far off of what Franklin describes on its faculty. "First-rate faculty dedicated to teaching, and perhaps more importantly, the development of their students' self-confidence." p. 24 With a learning enviornment that catered to the idea of "Jim Crow America" it became imperative for the all-black staff to instill such confidence and discipline in their students. It is during Franklins high school years that he takes advantage of all that is offered, even if it is half of whats being offered at nearby Central H.S. "It 's amazing how an unlimited amount of energy, and a limited amount of talent can drive a person." p. 26 I liked this quote because it shows Franklins interests and his ability to take on such a demanding schedulee. He was in the choir, dance plays, the eagle scouts and several other school-run organizations.
I was most intrigued by Johns parents refusal to voluntarily submit to segregating practices. Whenever they could avoid being demeaning and dehumanizing practices they would. They did leave it up to their childrens own discretion however, something John would appreciate when meeting such popular figures like Langston Hughes and Louis Armstrong. The accomplishments of Mollie Franklin are remarkable. She headed the first Women's Federated Club designed to improve working conditions for African American women in white-owned businesses. She even established the first day-care center for mothers who couldn't bring their children with them to work. John comments on the last six years living in Tulsa with his family before his journey to Fisk University in the summer of 1931. He writes "It was the longest period I would ever spend with my parents and siblings, and it was the period during which I learned the value of friendship and loyalty to institutions and organizations, and a sense of civic responsibility." p. 37
Ch. IV: The Gold and Blue"
Franklin is starting his college career at Fisk Univeristy during a time when this particular institution was doing exceptionally well and growing. Taking note of the use of language Franklin uses, it is clear of his eductional background and scholarly approach to various topics. In describing Fisk University he writes "that the Univeristy was fiscally sound and educationally strong." p. 40 When Franklin got to Fisk, he immediatley took up a foreign language. This would help fulfill Havards entrance requirements, a place where he would pursue graduate studies. It is interesting to note that Booker T. Wash. H.S. had not foriegn language programs while the all-white Central High offered several language programs to choose from. As mentioned before in my introduction some of the lynchings and mob killings that Franklin describes becomes extremely graphic and vivid. It is important to realize that this is what surrounded Franklins college experience. With all the drama that encompasses RWU, it means nothing compared to what life was like for these studnts. My favorite quote from this chapter is when Franklin accounts his experience on the debate team under which he more or less represented his Fraternity. In these heated debates, Franklin would more often than not come out on top over the countrys most prestigious universities, albiet, white debators. "Here was tangible evidence of the truth of my mother's early admonishment that were I to apply on a level playing field I could prove that I was as good as, if not a bit better than, anyone else." p.46
I also found it amusing to put myself in the shoes of a fisk undergrad during the early 1930's. Roger Williams students get excited when the Farley Brothers speak at Commencement. Where in 1933, famous author, poet Langston Hughes recites some of his works during the annual Festival of Fine Arts. FDR would later take a visit to Fisk. This shows the extent of such influential figures that visited during Franklins college years. You have to assume that John would do his best to strike up a conversation with these historical figures.
"I took from my dissapointment one lesson: Jim Crow America was skilled at defleating or ignoring appeals to justice and equality. I would soon learn an easier way to ensure the attention of Jim Crow America. All it would require would be my ambition, determination, and willingness to excel." p. 55
This quote taken after Franklin got tricked by then Student Body Council Prez Jones into believeing that FDR would address the newest victim to lynching, Cardie Cheek during his Univeristy visit.
