WE WILL MISS YOU FRANKLIN F. MARTIN

June 22, 1950 ~ April 12, 2023

Franklin Farnarwance Martin significantly contributed to the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. He came into the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland in June 1997 as a Charter Member, sponsored by Gregory Johnson, who was then the Vice President of the Greater Cleveland Urban League; since that time, Franklin has served faithfully in various positions, such as Vice President with three different Presidents, Public Relations chair, and many times as the Gala Chairman and Membership Chair chaired the Daniel E. Morgan Mentoring program and also the Chief Operations Officer for eight years,

If you attended many of the annual Galas, you knew Franklin chaired them. He is the son of a retired Baptist pastor who is now 96 years young. Franklin has retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Benefits Counselor for eight years. His job was to assist Veterans in receiving disability benefits. We are highlighting Martin in Real Men Magazine for him being a Vietnam Veteran, A Retired Business Owner, A Civic Leader, and a Humanitarian. Our own Christopher Howse had a chance to have a candid conversation with Franklin, and his story is a story of faith, hard work, resilience, and confidence.

Franklin joined several business and professional organizations and accepted leadership roles. I became President of the Shaker Heights Rotary Club, The Black Professionals.Association, The 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc., and The Northeast Ohio Girl Scout Council. I participated in former Mayor Michael White and the Cuyahoga County Workforce Development Board.These volunteer opportunities contributed to my business growth, increased my network of professionals, and helped market my business.

After 40-plus years working at The Plain Dealer and running his own printing business, he decided to retire. Later he was approached by a fellow board member, the Director of the VA Regional Office here in Cleveland. She was impressed with my military background and asked if he was interested in working for the VA. The regional office and hospital needed someone to assist veterans with their benefits. It was very satisfying to work. Franklin agreed to work there but only for a short period of time. Well, that small stint turned into 11 years. Franklin then retired again from work, but continued to stay active with his friends, family, church, and a select few volunteer and social organizations. But most of all was still giving hreaat advice to his brothers of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

Franklin’s journey inspires us all and reminds us that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude. Kudos to Franklin F. Martin, a 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Charter Member, a father, a husband, a retired business owner, a veteran, and a living legend. When discussing those that have shaped our country and race, we must consider Franklin F. Martin and all the paths he created as a trailblazer. The future is bright because of his tireless work and service to the country. We stand on his shoulders! Thank you, Franklin!