Rochester is remembering one of its pioneering civil rights leaders this weekend. Minister Franklin Florence crusaded for better housing and employment in the 1960s, bringing leaders such as Malcolm X to the city. He died Feb. 1 at the age of 89.
Hundreds gathered Friday night, as Rochester's civic leaders of the 21st century took the pulpit at Central Church of Christ on Plymouth Avenue to recognize the trailblazing work of one of their 20th century predecessors. Franklin Florence was a founding member of that church, and his son, Minister Clifford Florence Sr., is also based there.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans presented the keys to the county and city to the Florence family.
Evans noted Florence’s seminal work in civil rights.
"He should have gotten it back in 1964, they were a little afraid back then,” the mayor said to applause in the church.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans speaks about the legacy of Minister Florence at a community remembrance Friday evening at the Central Church of Christ. @WXXINews pic.twitter.com/qV5CbYXMEl
— Max Schulte (@maxrocphoto) February 11, 2023
Florence was the first president of the Black activist group FIGHT (Freedom, Independence, God, Honor, Today) and took on Eastman Kodak Co. over discriminatory hiring practices, creating the foundation for a more diverse corporate workforce.
FIGHT also rallied people on housing, policing and schools.
Speakers remembered Florence's work during the uprisings in Rochester in 1964 and Attica in 1971, and his political influence later in life, advocating for the first Black public defender in the county.
Assemblyman Harry Bronson was on the county legislature then.
"Minister Florence and Assembly member David Gantt worked to make sure that Black voices were heard. During that period we would go to Black churches Sunday after Sunday and we would hear Minister Florence call a clarion call, saying we need to fight,” Bronson remembered.
Felicia Florence, daughter in-law of Minster Franklin Florence, speaks about his legacy on the eve of his funeral in Rochester. @WXXINews pic.twitter.com/mGAa3z3ot5
— Max Schulte (@maxrocphoto) February 10, 2023
Florence's colleague, the Reverend Al Sharpton, had originally been expected to travel to Rochester to speak at the service, but was unable to make the trip due to scheduling issues.
He sent a message, read by author Laura Warren Hill.
"Whether it was putting pressure on corporations to diversify their workforce, encouraging black-owned businesses or fighting for affordable housing, he backed up his words with concrete action," Hill read at the service.
The memorial for Franklin Florence continued Saturday morning at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, where hundreds of people attended.
A granddaughter of Franklin Florence, Clianda Florence, said that her grandfather was always been community minded.
“I want everyone to understand that you are looking at a man who spoke truth to power, who was relentless, who was a warrior, who promoted God in his work," said Florence. "He was not building confined; he was mission motivated. He got outside the walls; he went wherever the heart was.”
Willie Davis, senior pastor at Cathedral of Hope Community Church, said that Florence was like a father to him and also his mentor. He said that Florence really helped shaped the future of the Rochester area in terms of civil rights.
“These people that are gathered here today, they wouldn’t have had jobs at Xerox, they wouldn’t have jobs at Kodak,” said Davis. “This community at that time did not even have quality, affordable housing. And that was one of the things he’s very big on.”
Davis said that many of those inspired by Florence will work to keep his memory alive.
