Richard Franklin: A Champion for District 9

Richard Franklin is a dedicated public servant, community advocate, and lifelong resident of District 9 who has made it his mission to fight for the people of Birmingham. Born and raised in this very community, Richard understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that shape the lives of its residents. He is running for City Council not for a title, but to bring real change, real leadership, and real results to the district he calls home.

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A Legacy of Service & Leadership

Richard is a proud graduate of Parker High School and Lawson State Community College, where he earned an Associate Degree in History. His commitment to education led him to work for Birmingham City Schools as a Paraprofessional, where he dedicated his time to supporting students and families. While working in education, he continued his studies at UAB, focusing on a degree in Special Education.

In 2010, recognizing his leadership and unwavering dedication to labor rights, Richard was elected President of the Birmingham American Federation of Teachers. He successfully led his membership through litigation against an illegal Reduction in Force, ensuring that educators' voices were heard and their rights protected. His influence extends beyond Birmingham, as he was selected by the National AFT to serve on the Racial Equity Task Force, advocating for fair and just policies in education and labor. His work on this task force led him to Riga, Latvia, where he presented on the Civil Rights Movement at the Annual Symposium on Human Rights and Values in Education. Richard is also the youngest president to ever speak at the AFT National Convention, and the first African American from a southern state to do so.

Richard’s passion for civil rights and public education continues to drive his leadership and advocacy, ensuring that Birmingham’s working families and students receive the support and resources they deserve.

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A Vision Rooted in Change

Richard’s vision for District 9 is simple: We Deserve Better. For too long, our communities have been overlooked, our small businesses underserved, and our voices unheard. Richard is committed to leading with integrity, accountability, and action, ensuring that the people of District 9 get the resources, opportunities, and representation they deserve.

His priorities include:

✔ Community Investment: Strengthening local businesses, improving infrastructure, and bringing new opportunities to our neighborhoods.

✔ Public Safety & Youth Engagement: Addressing the root causes of crime with programs that uplift, educate, and empower our youth.

✔ Economic Growth: Creating jobs, increasing workforce training, and supporting minority-owned businesses.

✔ Education & Schools: Advocating for better funding, stronger programs, and safer learning environments for students and teachers.

More Than a Candidate – A Champion for the Community

Richard Franklin isn’t just running for office—he’s standing up for the people of District 9. His leadership is about being present, accessible, and accountable to the community every single day. He believes that when we work together, lift each other up, and demand more, there is nothing we cannot achieve.

This is our time. This is our movement. And together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant, and more equitable District 9.

Join Richard in this fight for change. Because frankly, we want more, and we deserve better.