02/13/2026
In recognition of Black History Month, the African American Caucus of Franklin County paid tribute last evening to African American trailblazers who have left a lasting legacy in our county. The honorees included:
Dr. James Hardy, DDS, who made history as the first African American elected to the Board of County Commissioners;
Dr. Felicia Ward Hardy, EdD, the first African American Chair of the Democratic Party;
Mayor Christopher Neal, the first African American Mayor of Louisburg;
Ms. Kelli A. London, the first African American Female elected to the Board of County Commissioners;
and Dr. Elizabeth F. Keith, the first African American Female Chair of the Franklin County School Board.
The caucus also posthumously honored two additional historical trailblazers:
Mrs. Rosanell Eaton, a pioneering Voting and Civil Rights Activist;
and Mr. Arthur Earl Johnson, Sr., the first African American Sheriff of Franklin County.
