E. Franklin Frazier

E. Franklin Frazier was a renowned American sociologist and anthropologist who made significant contributions to the fields of sociology and anthropology, particularly in the study of African American families and communities. His work was heavily influenced by prominent scholars such as Robert E. Park, Ernest Burgess, and W.E.B. Du Bois. Frazier's research focused on the social and economic conditions of African American communities, and he was a prominent figure in the development of the Chicago School of Sociology. He was also a member of the American Sociological Association and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

● Early Life and Education

E. Franklin Frazier was born on September 24, 1894, in Baltimore, Maryland, to James Edward Frazier and Mary Clark Frazier. He grew up in a middle-class family and was educated at Baltimore City College and Howard University. Frazier then attended Clark University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1915. He later pursued his graduate studies at the University of Chicago, earning his Master of Arts degree in 1920 and his Ph.D. in 1931. During his time at the University of Chicago, Frazier was influenced by prominent scholars such as Robert E. Park and Ernest Burgess, who were key figures in the development of the Chicago School of Sociology. Frazier's education was also shaped by his involvement with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Urban League.

● Career

Frazier began his academic career as a professor at Howard University, where he taught sociology and anthropology from 1934 to 1959. During his time at Howard University, Frazier was a prominent figure in the development of the university's sociology department and was a mentor to many students, including St. Clair Drake and Hylan Lewis. Frazier's career was also marked by his involvement with various organizations, including the American Sociological Association, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the American Council on Education. He was also a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the American Philosophical Society. Frazier's work was recognized by institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, and the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a visiting professor.

● Research and Publications

Frazier's research focused on the social and economic conditions of African American communities, and he published numerous articles and books on the subject. His most notable work, The Negro Family in the United States, was published in 1939 and is considered a classic in the field of sociology. Frazier's other notable works include Black Bourgeoisie and The Negro in the United States. His research was influenced by scholars such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, and Marcus Garvey, and he was a prominent figure in the development of the Chicago School of Sociology. Frazier's work was also recognized by institutions such as the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Russell Sage Foundation, which provided funding for his research.

● Legacy and Impact

E. Franklin Frazier's legacy is profound, and his work continues to influence scholars in the fields of sociology and anthropology. His research on African American families and communities has been widely cited, and his books are considered classics in the field. Frazier's work has also been recognized by institutions such as the American Sociological Association, which awarded him the Career of Distinguished Scholarship Award in 1955. He was also a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the American Philosophical Society. Frazier's legacy is also reflected in the work of scholars such as St. Clair Drake, Hylan Lewis, and Charles S. Johnson, who were influenced by his research and teaching.

● Personal Life

E. Franklin Frazier was married to Marie Brown Frazier, and they had one son, Edward Franklin Frazier Jr.. Frazier was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and was involved in various community organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Urban League. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Elks. Frazier's personal life was marked by his commitment to social justice and his dedication to the advancement of African American communities. He was a prominent figure in Washington, D.C. and was recognized for his contributions to the city's African American community. Frazier passed away on May 17, 1962, in Washington, D.C., leaving behind a legacy of scholarship and activism that continues to inspire scholars and community leaders today.

Category:African American sociologists