Nonagenarian John Hope Franklin has long been a leader in the study of African American life. A pioneer of historical studies on the subject, Franklin’s books include American Book Award winner Black Intellectuals, The Emancipation Proclamation, and Racial Equality in America.. His general history, From Slavery to Freedom, is considered by many to be the standard text on African American history. Franklin taught at some of the nation’s most prestigious universities, served on committees for FDR and Bill Clinton, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work in civil rights.