16 Facts About Franklin McCain

Franklin Eugene McCain was an American civil rights activist and member of the Greensboro Four.

Franklin McCain was born in Union County, North Carolina, on January 3,1941.

Franklin McCain said that they "finally felt hypocritical" for doing nothing along with many in the country, and they decided it was time to take a stance.

Franklin McCain later said that five-and-dime stores would often put ads on TV encouraging everyone to shop in their store, but once black people got there, they were treated as unwelcome guests.

Franklin McCain said it really "added insult to injury", so the men thought this would be a good place to start their protest.

Ultimately, it was Franklin McCain who gave the final call as his friends began to get cold feet about the situation.

Franklin McCain compared the men to "Mack trucks" because there was no way anyone could move them from their seats.

Franklin McCain was known for meeting with local Charlotte teenagers and encouraging them to stay in school.

On January 9,2014, McCain died from respiratory complications at Moses H Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina, six days after his 73rd birthday.

Franklin McCain's death left Ezell Blair and Joseph McNeil as the two surviving members of the Greensboro Four.

Shortly before his death, Franklin McCain was interviewed by his granddaughter, Taylor, who asked him to define freedom.

Franklin McCain responded simply that he sees freedom as being able to "be oneself in society at large".

Franklin McCain was married to his wife, Bettye Davis Franklin McCain, from 1965 until she died in 2013.

Franklin McCain was a member of Sigma Pi Phi, the oldest African-American Greek-lettered organization.

Franklin McCain went on to hold positions on the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Board and the National Conference for Christians and Jews.

Franklin McCain later played in the National Football League for the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles.