Ceremony honors arrival of Nelson Chair

As the newest holder of the Honorable David S. Nelson Professional Chair, Anderson J. Franklin, Ph.D., received a hearty, Boston College welcome Tuesday night at a ceremony held in his honor. The University announced that the chair had been filled after an eight-year vacancy at the beginning of the year. As the only endowed chair specifically reserved for an African American scholar, administrators said the appointment of Franklin exemplified the University's continued commitment to diversity.

Named in honor of David Nelson, a former U.S. district court judge in the district of Massachusetts and former chairman of BC's Board of Trustees, the holder of the chair is chosen based on his or her scholarship and commitment to advancing education. "There is a preference that it be held by someone who represents the qualities held by Nelson," said Cutberto Garza, University Provost. "They must have a commitment to improving BC through the intellectual, social, and spiritual formation of our most precious resources - our students."

The evening began with a musical performance by the Voices of Imani and opening statements by several distinguished professors and administrators, including Dean of the Lynch School of Education, Rev. Joseph O'Keefe, S.J., as the chair is housed in the LSOE, and University Chancellor, Rev. J. Donald Monan, S.J. Franklin addressed the audience following these introductions.

"I have come a long way," he said. "I have learned that I am standing on broad shoulders. It's something traditional to the African-American culture - we stand on the shoulders of others."

To display what he meant by these words and to highlight the progress of African-Americans in academia, Franklin introduced two of his childhood friends and spoke of a third unable to attend that night - each of whom have their own doctorates. "Notice how I'm stressing the 'doctor,'" said Franklin. "Here we are, four men from the streets of Brooklyn. If you believe in yourself, keep your eyes on the prize, and network, you can go a long way."

Franklin spoke briefly of his hopes and goals for his time at BC. "What attracted me to BC was the opportunity to continue my work and scholastic ambitions. This institution has great visions for the future and the abilities to make those happen. I look forward to sharing my life stories and expertise," he said.

As a full-time faculty member here, Franklin will continue his research while serving as a mentor to students. Specializing in psychology as it pertains to African-American males, Franklin will join this perspective with the educational curriculum of the Lynch School of Education. "Racism is a filter for obscuring the abilities and talents of this group," he said. "How does this affect their psychological well-being?"

There are, he said, stories that go against the stereotype which are often unheard by society. "How do we get these black youth we don't hear about into the public eye?" he asked. "How do we sustain resilience and health in the face of adversity?" He said he hopes that analysis of the data he has compiled will help to shed light on some answers.

As an educator, Franklin said he stresses the skill of writing above all else to his students. "With writing, we leave a record of information for the future to learn from. It's essential to the African philosophy," he said.

Franklin was joined at the ceremony by his wife, Nancy Boyd-Franklin, PhD., a professor at Rutgers University. Before coming to BC, he was a professor of clinical and social personality psychology at the City College and Graduate School of the City University of New York (CUNY). Franklin has published numerous books and has been the recipient of many prestigious awards.

"Whatever you need to have done, he has done it," said Janet Helms, director of the Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture, when introducing Franklin. "He will shed light on race, racism, and discrimination. He has a personal concern for minority disenfranchised groups."

Students present at the reception said they looked forward to working with Franklin. "As a sophomore, I'm really enthusiastic about him being here," said Ricardo Salinas, co-director for AHANA Caucus within the AHANA Leadership Council (ALC) and CSOM '09. "It'll be good to help the student body progress with what's going on on campus recently."

"He seems like a great advocate for students," said Doris Schierembergg, member of the Organization of Latin American Affairs (OLAA) and A&S '07. "He will be an asset for helping us push for a Latin American studies department."

Like David Nelson, Franklin exhibits a dedication to "educational aspirations and human qualities" in his career and in his service. Just as members of the current BC community hope to see Franklin work toward the dissipation of racist tensions, Nelson too strove to foster a spirit of diversity. "Nelson provided BC with a cornerstone of diversity," said Ruth-Arlene Howe, a professor at BC Law School, when introducing Franklin. "What he envisioned was not just a statistical diversity, but a true community of sharing."

Nelson, who earned his undergraduate degree at BC in 1957, was recruited by the late Rev. Robert Drinan, S.J., to attend BC Law School on a full scholarship. When he received his law degree in 1960, he was only the fourth African-American from BC to do so. "Nelson too made a push to bring students of color to the law school," said Howe.

In upholding Nelson's tradition of commitment to diversity and scholarship, Franklin will teach, conduct research, and provide mentorship in his new position. He encouraged students to visit his office or take his class to better acquaint himself with the BC community. "Nelson had a vision on education and the welfare of African-American youth that I share and respect," he said. "I am greatly honored to assume this chair and become part of the Boston College family."