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Person of the Week: Franklin legacy continues in Detroit

Posted at 10:11 PM, Aug 04, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-04 22:14:46-04

The Great Space Coaster, Cooley High, Mayor Coleman Young. How can you forget some of the iconic places and people that put Detroit on the map - making precious memories for families for decades.

"I wanted something that would give us a feeling of love, compassion and everything about the city."

So lifelong Detroiter Cristal Franklin, aka "C Franks," created a T-shirt design listing some of Detroit's coolest moments in history that is now for sale in a place that holds African American History.

"I was diagnosed with skin cancer and I wanted to leave my mark on the city.   I wanted something that people would talk about. I make one of a kind conversation pieces."

Making Detroit history... is certainly a family tradition for Cristal.

Her Grandfather is Reverend CL Franklin... the 1st to host Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr's "I have a dream speech at his New Bethel Baptist church, and you know her aunt simply by the tone of her voice... The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.

"To have my product in the museum... to be next to the rebellion of 67... it's definitely full circle."
Cristal's not only creates a positive message to wear on the outside, but she puts positivity inside the dozens of young people she has mentored in Spanish, History and Fashion for at least two decades.

"I met Ms. Franklin way way back in Elementary school where she actually allowed me to use my talent in Spanish and broadcast with other foriegn language students and actually give the "I have a dream" speech in 5th grade and ever since then she has always kept up with me."  Says Mentee Katie Heath.

So for keeping up the legacy by passing down history, Cristal Franklin is our Person of the Week.

If you would like a "C Franks" design you can get them at the Charles H Wright Museum of African American History or she's out at Eastern Market in Shed #2 every Sunday from 10a-2pm.