Dr. A.J. Franklin’s interest in the African-American experience – particularly for men—has led to varied and thorough research into the psychological wellbeing, resilience, and health of the black community, the impact of stereotypes, and more. His expertise spans gender and sexual orientation, social oppression, racism, and culture.

A longtime professor of psychology, Franklin joined the Lynch School in 2007 and now serves as Honorable David S. Nelson Professor of Psychology and Education and Director of the Nelson Chair Roundtable on Networking Community-Based Programs. While his current work focuses primarily on “invisibility syndrome” in black males, Anderson also studies Out of School Time and Care Workers’ factors impacting child and youth socio-emotional development.

Franklin earned his master’s degree from Howard University, his doctorate from University of Oregon, and his post-doctorate from the University of Michigan. His dozens of honors and awards include the Distinguished Warrior Award from the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education and the Groundbreakers Award from All Stars Project Annual Gala.

A licensed psychologist, Franklin has authored several books and many scholarly articles. He presents around the world and boasts a civil rights legacy as a member of the Richmond 34—a group of students arrested in sit-ins that led to desegregation in Virginia.

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Anderson. J. Franklin

Dr. A.J. Franklin’s interest in the African-American experience - particularly for men—has led to varied and thorough research into the psychological wellbeing, resilience, and health of the black community, the impact of stereotypes, and more. His expertise spans gender and sexual orientation, social oppression, racism, and culture. A longtime professor of psychology, Franklin joined the Lynch School in 2007 and now serves as Honorable David S. Nelson Professor of Psychology and Education and Director of the Nelson Chair Roundtable on Networking Community-Based Programs. While his current work focuses primarily on “invisibility syndrome” in black males, Anderson also studies Out of School Time and Care Workers' factors impacting child and youth socio-emotional development. Franklin earned his master’s degree from Howard University, his doctorate from University of Oregon, and his post-doctorate from the University of Michigan. His dozens of honors and awards include the Distinguished Warrior Award from the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education and the Groundbreakers Award from All Stars Project Annual Gala. A licensed psychologist, Franklin has authored several books and many scholarly articles. He presents around the world and boasts a civil rights legacy as a member of the Richmond 34—a group of students arrested in sit-ins that led to desegregation in Virginia.