Mr. Franklin is the author of "Love, Les," a book about his life and many trials and tribulations.
DENVER, CO, January 10, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Les Franklin has been inducted into Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
After more than 25 years in corporate America as an executive with IBM, Mr. Franklin retired. Committed to giving back, he continues representing his nonprofit organization, The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth, as its founder and board chairperson. Founded in 1990 following the tragic death of his son, Shaka Franklin, after taking his own life, Mr. Franklin's Denver-based charity has fought tirelessly to address suicide among youths throughout the state and the nation.
Recognizing a strong need for his foundation, Mr. Franklin sought to address the alarming increase in suicide rates among youth. After losing his son, he wanted to help make a difference. Sadly, 10 years after the inception of The Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth, he lost his other son, Jamon Franklin, to suicide, only deepening his passion for the cause.
The Shaka Franklin Foundation notably offers various services, including appropriate education, support, and awareness to those in need. The organization also developed scholarship fund endowments established at the University of Colorado Denver, the University of Denver, and Colorado State University. Moreover, the foundation launched a program, Shaka I.C.E. (Inner City Edge), in 1997, providing needy players with equipment and funds to pay for hockey fees. This skating program caters to over 300 children throughout the community, 85 hockey players, and 13 coaches and provides clothing for needy children. Mr. Franklin also purchased a two-story house with a second floor to serve as a pro club equipped with skating equipment.
Mr. Franklin is the author of "Love, Les," a book about his life and many trials and tribulations. Despite facing many life challenges, he persevered. He credits his success and ability to make an impact on others to relying on individuals who have been a constant source of support.
Mr. Franklin honorably served in the U.S. Air Force. He has since served on over 40 boards for banking institutions, hospitals, and other organizations. He has also been involved with AmeriCorps, National Civilian, Community Corps, and the Civil Service Commission.
In light of his civic commitments, Mr. Franklin received several accolades, including a Colorado School Counselor Association Advocate of the Year Award in 1996, a Hometown Hero Award by The John Elway Foundation in 1999, and a Shine as a Sun Award for Outstanding Non-Profit Management from the El Pomar Foundation in 2003. He was also recognized with the Denver7 Everyday Hero Award from local news media and was inducted into his high school and college hall of fame for his sports and community service work.
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