PHOTO: Courtesy Blue Nile Press

Blue Nile Press recently published the following tribute to artist John Franklin King, who passed away on July 4, 2013, in their August/September 2013 e-newsletter. For more information on Blue Nile Press, visit www.bluenilepress.com.

John Franklin King, (May 7, 1937 – July 4, 2013), was an artist, father, husband, community activist, educator and brother friend to us. John had a special relationship with Blue Nile Press. He used his wonderful talents as an artist and illustrator to design the beautiful book covers for Seaside Stories by S. R. Martin, Jr, Wimbey’s Corner and Princes of the Road, by David Covin, all published by Blue Nile Press.

John had a long history of community activism dating back to the civil rights movement. John was present at the historic march from Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in the heart of downtown Montgomery to Alabama’s State Capitol. He was a member of the Student Non Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) that worked closely with Black citizens throughout the South. John continued his activism in Sacramento’s art community; he participated in the birth of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission. in collaboration with other Sacramento artists: Bob Burge, Alex Miller, Allen Gordon and Don Price, he formed a gallery called The Black Affair. The gallery’s programs introduced young children to ceramics, drawing and painting, sculpture, weaving, and all aspects of arts and crafts. John was a loyal member of the oldest Black institution on the west coast St. Andrews African Methodist Church.

Thank you John Franklin King and we miss you!!!

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