Former Atlanta Mayor to Deliver MLK Legacy Lecture



Mayor Shirley Franklin

CINCINNATI, OH – As part of its ongoing mission to engage the community in dialogue that creates positive social change and inspires servant leadership, Union Institute & University’s (UI&U) Ph.D. program will host the fifth biannual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Lecture, Friday, January 6, 2012 from 1-1:45 p.m. at the Kingsgate Marriot in Clifton. Former Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin, the first African-American woman elected mayor of a major southern city, will serve as lecturer and will discuss how to apply Martin Luther King’s vision towards today’s public policy initiatives.

“We are very honored that Shirley Franklin will serve as the speaker for the MLK legacy lecture,” said Dr. Nancy Boxill, coordinator of UI&U’s Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies Martin Luther King Jr. Specialization. “This is a great opportunity for Union Ph.D. students – as well as the entire community – to hear one of the most important voices in urban American leadership talk about Martin Luther King Jr. and how his legacy lives on.”

Franklin served as Atlanta’s mayor for two terms, from 2002 until 2009. During her eight- year tenure, the city experienced unprecedented growth and afforded Franklin the opportunity to partner and collaborate with many local and regional leaders in addressing urban policy challenges which included urban planning, economic development and infrastructure.

Named by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the top five best big city mayors, Franklin is best known for her work in advocating for and tackling major government operations and ethics reform, launching the Atlanta Beltline, planning and executing airport and water infrastructure improvements, and leading the acquisition of the Morehouse College Collection of Martin Luther King Jr. Papers. In addition, she launched the Regional Commission on Homelessness as part of the United Way of Atlanta and developed successful business and public sector partnerships and alliances.

In 2009, after leaving office, Franklin was appointed to the William and Camille Cosby Endowed Chair at Spelman College and served in this capacity until June 2011. Her community service spans almost 40 years in Atlanta and includes her active participation in the arts, homelessness, and higher education. Currently, Franklin serves on several boards and is president of Clarke-Franklin and Associates, Inc.

UI&U’s biannual MLK Legacy Lecture is an integral part of the university’s MLK Studies specialization within the Ph.D. program and is held twice yearly in conjunction with Ph.D. residencies in Cincinnati. The January 6 lecture, from 1-1:45 p.m., will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Kingsgate Marriott, 151 Goodman Drive, Clifton. The event is open to the public, however, seating is limited. To reserve tickets, contact Nicole Mayes-Boyd, senior program specialist, at 513-487-1142 or at nicole.mayes-boyd@myunion.edu.