Franklin Florence facts for kids

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Florence Sr. (born August 9, 1934 – died February 1, 2023) was an American Christian minister. He was a very important leader in the civil rights movement in Rochester, New York. For over 50 years, he worked hard to make life better for African Americans. He is best known for starting a civil rights group called F.I.G.H.T. in 1965. This happened after the 1964 Rochester race riot. Before he passed away, he was the senior pastor at the Central Church of Christ in Rochester, a church he also founded.

Early Life and Ministry

Franklin Florence was born in 1934. His parents were Hozel and Berth Florence. When he was a teenager, he was inspired by a preacher named Marshall Keeble. He went to school at Nashville Christian Institute from 1948 to 1952. Later, he studied at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. He left college after two years to go back home.

After returning home, he became a pastor at the 18th Street Church of Christ in West Palm Beach. In 1959, when he was 25, Florence moved to Rochester, New York. He became the pastor of the Reynolds Street Church of Christ. He moved there with his wife and children. Right away, he started working to improve living conditions for Black people in Rochester.

Civil Rights Work

Minister Florence dedicated his life to fighting for equal rights. He believed everyone deserved fair treatment and opportunities.

Starting F.I.G.H.T.

Minister Florence was a founder and the first president of F.I.G.H.T. This group's name stood for Freedom, Independence, God, Honor, Today. The group's first big meeting in Rochester brought together 1,500 people. F.I.G.H.T. was officially started in 1964, and its rules were set in 1965.

At first, F.I.G.H.T. meant Freedom, Integration, God, Honor, Today. But later, as the group focused more on Black Power ideas, "Integration" was changed to "Independence."

Fighting for Jobs and Homes

F.I.G.H.T. worked hard to stop unfair hiring practices. They focused on big companies in Rochester. In 1967, F.I.G.H.T. made an important deal with Eastman Kodak. Kodak agreed to hire 600 African-American workers for a job training program. Florence used strong methods to get Kodak's attention. He even interrupted a meeting of their shareholders. He also went to Kodak's main office with supporters to demand a meeting with company leaders.

F.I.G.H.T. also helped create a Black-owned business. It was first called Fighton, then Eltrex Industries. This company aimed to compete with white-owned businesses. At its best, Eltrex employed 350 workers. However, it faced money problems and closed in 2011.

Housing was another big concern for F.I.G.H.T. They organized protests to highlight problems with landlords who didn't care for their properties. They also helped build two housing areas: F.I.G.H.T. Village and F.I.G.H.T. Square.

Changes in Leadership

Florence's time as president of F.I.G.H.T. ended in 1967. He ran for president again in 1969 and 1970 but did not win. After this, some local Black ministers removed him from the Reynolds Street Church. They said he encouraged "violence and bloodshed." In response, he started a new church, the Central Church of Christ. He and his son Clifford continued to preach there until his death.

Later Work

In 1971, Florence was an observer during the Attica Prison riot. On September 12, he spoke to the prisoners. He talked about unfair social conditions. He was also a member of groups that helped fight poverty. These included Action for a Better Community and the Rochester Northeast Development Corporation.

In 1972, he ran for the New York State Assembly but did not win. He also worked for Jesse Jackson's 1984 presidential campaign for president.

In his later years, Florence continued to protest against police brutality in Rochester. In an interview in 2018, he said that not enough progress had been made in fighting racism since the civil rights movement began.

Personal Life and Passing

Franklin Florence passed away in Rochester, New York, on February 1, 2023. He was 88 years old.