Bruce Franks Jr. facts for kids

Bruce Franks Jr., born on September 22, 1984, is an American community leader, musician, and former politician. He is also known as a battle rapper. He served in the Missouri House of Representatives, representing the 78th District. He also led a special group focused on police and community relations before he left his position in 2019.

Early Life and Community Work

Bruce Franks Jr. was born in 1984. He went to schools in the Lindbergh School District in Saint Louis County, Missouri. This was part of a program that helped bring students from different areas together.

As a musician, Franks performed as a rapper using the name Ooops!. He was also an important member of the Black Lives Matter movement in Saint Louis. He took part in many protests to speak out against unfairness and to support equal rights for everyone.

In 2015, Franks started an organization called 28 to Life. This group helped young people from the city find jobs and build their careers.

Becoming a State Representative

In 2016, Bruce Franks Jr. decided to run for a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives. He ran for the 78th District. There was a disagreement about the first election results. Franks argued that some votes were not counted correctly. A judge agreed with him, and a second election was held. Franks won this second election and became the representative for his district.

Time in the Missouri Legislature

While serving as a representative, Franks also worked at the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE). This program helps mentor young people who might not have many chances.

In November 2017, Franks was among several people who were part of a protest. This protest happened during Black Friday at The Saint Louis Galleria. The protest was part of a larger effort to encourage people to support local businesses in Saint Louis.

BET Network recognized Representative Franks as one of the "Great 28." This list includes civil rights activists who are making a big difference in the world. They are seen as people who are changing how we think and showing what is possible.

Franks left his role as a representative in 2019. He explained that he needed to focus on his well-being. After he left office, it was found that some of his campaign money was used for personal things. He had to pay back about $14,000 because he didn't follow the rules for how campaign money should be reported and spent.

Making Laws Fairer

Representative Franks worked on several important issues while in office.

Supporting Fairer Laws

He supported laws that would help people who have been in prison. For example, he wanted to make it easier for people to vote after they have served their time. He also worked on ideas to help prisoners earn credit for good behavior. This could help them leave prison sooner.

Access to Medical Support

..... He introduced ideas for laws to make this possible for people who need it for health reasons.

Personal Life

Bruce Franks Jr. has five children and two stepsons. He has many tattoos, including tear tattoos under his eyes. He is also an active battle rapper, still using the name Ooops!. One of his most well-known battles was against another artist, Daylyt.

Franks is the main person in a short documentary film called St. Louis Superman. This film was even nominated for an Academy Award.