The late John P. Franklin Sr. would have celebrated his 97th birthday on April 26. A longtime educator, philanthropist, community leader, a proponent of education, and Chattanooga’s first African American elected official, Mr. Franklin impacted the lives of many students throughout the city especially those who resided in his beloved Alton Park and South Chattanooga neighborhoods.
In honor of their father's birthday and to continue his extraordinary legacy, his children, Cheryl Franklin Key and John "Duke" Franklin, Jr. will partner with the Bethlehem Center to renovate and refurbish the John P. Franklin Computer Lab, located inside the center.
The lab was named in Mr. Franklin's honor and is currently being utilized by Howard High School satellite students during the day and middle school students in the evening.
The computer lab is also available to the community most weekends.
Renovations will begin May 1 and will be completed by late June.