[3] In the late 1960s, there was a student-led effort to rename the school in honor of recently slain Malcolm X.

Testifying before the House Un-American Activities Committee, he declared that teachers were required to sacrifice constitutional rights to qualify for employment.

[9] Conservative economist and columnist Walter E. Williams, who graduated in 1954, was a critic of Franklin,[10] but praised English teacher, Dr. Martin Rosenberg.

In 1969, as a fourteen-year-old, he was inspired by a Black Panther Party newspaper to become involved in that movement and was one of those who proposed changing the school's name to honor Malcolm X.

The class of 1979–1980 graduated its first and only female, Iris Chase, who wore a white and red robe instead of a blue and gold one.

[citation needed] Franklin was one of the first high schools in Philadelphia serving the African American community.

The renovations included the gymnasium, auditorium and classrooms, and front entrance facade, as well as the replacement of doors and windows.

[18] Franklin serves several areas, including the Fairmount, Spring Garden, the section of Northern Liberties south of Poplar Street, and portions of Center City, including Chinatown, Old City, Rittenhouse Square, Logan Square, and Society Hill.