A Legacy of Healing, Courage, and Cultural Heritage in Mobile, Alabama
Dr. James A. Franklin (1886–1972) was one of the first African American physicians in the Deep South and the only Black graduate of the University of Michigan’s 1911 medical class.
For 53 years, his Mobile home served not only as a medical sanctuary, but also as a refuge for African American artists, activists, and athletes during the Jim Crow era—including Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, and Jackie Robinson.
The home served as a cornerstone of Mobile’s civic and cultural life during the Jim Crow era.
It emerged as a hub for educators, artists, and leaders, spanning from the local community to national figures. This space fostered dialogue, mentorship, and a sense of community pride and is now recognized as a site of cultural legacy.
The Franklin House serves as an intimate and culturally meaningful setting for community gatherings, civic events, meetings, workshops, private receptions, and heritage programs.
The Franklin House now serves as the operational home of the Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail, a landmark that connects visitors with the powerful stories of Mobile’s African American community.
