"I want Black History to be seen as American history." | An Interview with Rita Franklin

Meet Rita Franklin—Impact Consulting Collaboration Partner, brilliant trainer and breaker of barriers.?

We interviewed Rita to learn more about why she chose DE&I work, what she loves about it, as well as her reflections on the importance of celebrating Black history each and every day.

Why Impact Consulting? What brought you to the company??

I retired from the federal government in 2018. I planned to do a little work in retirement, but I would only accept opportunities to do meaningful work that I enjoyed and where I felt my skills were helpful to individuals and organizations.

What is your “why”—not only professionally but personally—that drives you in this line of work?

My “why” is simple. Every day I hope to make a positive difference with those I encounter, both professionally and personally. I know this sounds like a nice thing to say but I mean it. I try to seek out opportunities to help others before being asked. I feel extremely blessed that I completed a 40-year federal career, starting at the bottom and achieving executive level status. I learned so much about the technical aspects of the organizations I served, while developing much needed skills to help the organizations achieve their mission.??

?My greatest assets were delivering information that was difficult to hear and it be received well, along with helping leaders at all levels deal with what I call their “too hard pile.” As a leadership coach, I can help people see just how wonderfully whole they really are and help them see that they have the answers.?

In the area of DE&I, I help break down barriers and help individuals and organizations see their value.

?In honor of Black History Month, what does Black History mean to you, and how would you like to see it celebrated every month?

I reflect not just during Black History Month, but every day, about things I have seen in my lifetime. I read an article recently about Ruby Bridges, an American civil rights activist who was the first child to desegregate an elementary school in Louisiana. This didn’t happen 100 years ago—this happened just 62 years ago!??

?I reflect on the difficulties I’ve experienced in my lifetime, which pale in comparison to what my parents and ancestors before them experienced. I reflect on the difficulties I have experienced within my own community because of how I look. I think back to my public education and how my history wasn’t taught. What I have learned about my history came from my parents, my experiences, my own study, my church, my children and grandchildren. I want Black History to be seen as history—as American history.

Tell us something about yourself!

I was born in the historic Freedman’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. This was one of the few hospitals that serviced people of color. I have lived in Maryland since I was 9 years old. I married my high school sweetheart, and we just celebrated our 45th anniversary.

Although I never considered myself an athlete, I became one through cycling. It’s one of my favorite things to do. My husband and I ride tandem and have done rides in the U.S. and throughout Europe. The most exciting was cycling the last loop of the Tour de France just a few hours before the winners arrived and we had grandstand seats for the finish.