WTCI will air a documentary celebrating the life and career of John Porter Franklin, Senior on Thanksgiving at 8 p.m. Produced in partnership with the Chattanooga History Center this documentary series recognizes people, events or organizations that have made a significant impact on the city’s history.
The documentary was presented at the 9th Annual History Makers Awards Luncheon to benefit the Chattanooga History Center and was among their largest crowds to date. Deputy Director Marlene Payne says, “our partnership with WTCI to produce the History Makers series has had a profound impact on the unusual success of the luncheon each year while also creating a valuable teaching tool for both organizations.”
Review for the John P. Franklin Documentary:
Mr. Franklin has been a leader in education, business and politics in Chattanooga for more than 60 years. The documentary celebrated him as a compassionate and successful businessman, a dedicated family man, inspiring educator and groundbreaking politician. Elected in 1970 as commissioner of Education and Health, Mr. Franklin was the first African American elected in Chattanooga since the Jim Crow laws were enacted.
Franklin McCallie, educator and advocate for racial equality, says, “John Franklin put a face on what humanness was for all of us. And those of us that love him, love him because of that.” Addressing the audience Mr. Franklin expressed his gratitude and reminded guests that “you don’t live in the past, you look forward to the light of the next morning.”
Previous recipients include the McCallie family, Mose and Garrison Siskin, Chattanooga Venture and Vision 2000, the Brock family, the Howard High School Class of 1960, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Lupton, Ruth Holmberg, the Reverend Paul McDaniel and Dalton Roberts. “This series allows us, as Chattanooga’s community PBS station, to celebrate the stories that illustrate our city’s growth and success while honoring the people and families behind them,” says Paul Grove, president and CEO of WTCI.
This documentary will also air on Friday, Dec. 19, at 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 10:30 a.m.
Created by WTCI’s award-winning creative team, including Emmy Award-winning producer Emily Compton, Emmy Award-winning Creative Director Sergio Plecas and Shaun Townley, this documentary will be available online at wtciTV.org. For information on the History Makers series and WTCI productions please contact Vice President of Content and Digital Strategy Shaun Townley at 702-7821 or stownley@wtcitv.org.