[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 38 (Thursday, February 26, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING LaMARR FRANKLIN

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
career and life of LaMarr Franklin. Mr. Franklin was born in 1945 in 
Milwaukee and passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 80. Mr. 
Franklin was a pillar of the Milwaukee community and left an enduring 
legacy that will continue to shape the city and the lives of its 
residents for years to come. He was known for dedicating his life to 
uplifting the city's youth and African-American community.
  Born and raised in Milwaukee, Mr. Franklin attended Messmer High 
School before being drafted at 21 into the Army during the Vietnam war, 
where he earned the rank of sergeant. Following his military service, 
he returned home and attended Roosevelt University in Chicago, earning 
a bachelor of science in sociology before beginning a successful career 
in corporate sales. After many fruitful years, he retired as vice 
president of sales at Computec Integrated Solutions, Inc.
  Mr. Franklin talents were not only in sales but in his remarkable 
ability to lift up those around him. Throughout his career, he was 
highly regarded for his contributions and service to his community, 
earning commendations at the Federal, State, and local levels.
  In 1973, Mr. Franklin founded the Milwaukee Chapter of the Black 
Achievers Program at the YMCA, which expanded college and career 
exploration opportunities for the city's youth. He also played a 
pivotal role in launching the Martin Luther King Economic Development 
Corporation, which focused on expanding affordable housing and 
commercial facilities throughout the historic King Drive corridor for 
nearly 30 years. Additionally, he served numerous State and community 
boards, including more than 40 years of service on the board of the 
Northcott Neighborhood House, as well as the LaVarnway Boys and Girls 
Club Scholarship Board.
  As board president of the Northcott Neighborhood House, Mr. Franklin 
spearheaded some of Milwaukee's most significant cultural milestones, 
including one of the Nation's largest Juneteenth celebrations and the 
beloved Garfield Days. Through his leadership on the Boys and Girls 
Club Booster Club and Scholarship Board, he opened doors for thousands 
of young people, many of whom have since ascended to prominent 
leadership roles spanning government and industry.
  Beyond these many exceptional accomplishments, even in retirement, 
Mr. Franklin's commitment to mentorship never faded. He continued to 
tutor students in Milwaukee schools and, alongside lifelong friends, 
cofounded The Breakfast Club M.K.E. This 500-member organization 
provides a vital social space for African-American men and community 
leaders to foster youth engagement. To this day, the group continues 
his mission, meeting every second Friday at the Family Table Restaurant 
on Brown Deer Road.
  In honoring Mr. Franklin's truly indelible mark on the great city of 
Milwaukee, his name officially became part of the city with the 
dedication of the LaMarr Franklin Lofts in October 2025. The building 
now remains as a true testament to the towering legacy which he left 
behind. Throughout his work, he built--both literally and 
metaphorically--the scaffolding to support our coming generations' 
successes.
  Mr. Franklin's life was nothing short of remarkable. As a visionary 
leader, changemaker, and tireless advocate, the impacts of his 
dedication to Milwaukee's youth and African-American community will 
continue to be felt for generations to come. While we mourn his 
passing, I am honored to join our community in celebrating a life 
defined by service. We recognize his extraordinary contributions not 
only to Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin but to the Nation as a 
whole.

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