Honoring our hidden heroes at last!

A local park in Washington State has taken a historic step to recognize the contributions of a trailblazing Black woman leader. The board of commissioners for Metro Parks Tacoma voted unanimously to redefine the meaning of Franklin Park, now honoring Rosa Franklin, the first Black woman to serve as a Washington State senator (King 5 News).

Originally, Franklin Park had been named in tribute to Benjamin Franklin, one of the nation’s founding fathers. But with this historic change, the park now celebrates the life and legacy of Rosa Franklin, making it the first park in Tacoma named after a Black American.

Franklin moved to Tacoma in 1954 from South Carolina, dedicating a decade of her life to nursing before entering the political arena. Her commitment to public service led her to historic firsts: she became the first Black woman elected to the Washington State Senate, serving from 1993 to 2010, nearly two decades of leadership and advocacy for her community. During her tenure, Franklin championed issues such as healthcare access, community development, and equity for people of color, leaving an enduring mark on local and state governance (Source: King 5 News).

Debbie Terwilleger, director of business administration and planning for Metro Parks Tacoma, explained the significance of the renaming:

“[Ms. Franklin] was instrumental in helping us build support for the Star Center, a community hub in South Tacoma. She’s been a very committed partner with us, and as someone who is local, she’s a tremendous example. We’re privileged to highlight that by naming this park for her. Words matter, and I believe this is a strong statement about the values and vision of our park system.”

Franklin herself expressed surprise and humility at the recognition. She encouraged younger generations to continue advancing the work she began decades ago:

“For those that are here now, you’ve done a great job, I have high respect for you, and our parks are so wonderful. Thank you so much for this honor, indeed,” Franklin told reporters.

This renaming reflects a broader initiative by Metro Parks Tacoma to spotlight the contributions of local people of color and expand public recognition of Tacoma’s rich and diverse history. By honoring Franklin, the city not only acknowledges her groundbreaking achievements but also inspires the next generation of leaders to envision what is possible when dedication meets opportunity.

Congratulations, Ms. Rosa Franklin — a true pioneer and local hero!