John P. Franklin
The City Council building behind City Hall is being named in honor of John P. Franklin.
Mr. Franklin, who was the city's first black official, post-Jim Crow laws, on his election in 1971, died in June at the age of 96.
A teacher, principal and coach, he was also involved in the family's funeral home business.
He was commissioner of education and health for 20 years.
The City Council building was initially the city jail and City Court. It was converted for council use after the city went out of the jail business and turned it over to the county.
The council conference room in the building is named for longtime News-Free Press City Hall reporter J.B. Collins.