Cabral Franklin, an Atlanta political operative and son of former Mayor Shirley Franklin, died Tuesday from complications of cancer. Our AJC colleague Katie Leslie has the details here.
Franklin's memorial service will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta at 1 p.m.
His admirers and opponents alike depicted Franklin as one of the greatest political minds in the state. Former Democratic state Sen. Jason Carter offers this:
"He was one of my best friends in politics, a brilliant political mind and one of my most trusted advisors. I honestly would not do anything without running it by Cabral and that's the same advice I gave to everyone else who ever came to me for political advice: 'Talk to Cabral Franklin.' I miss him enormously."
Amy Morton, the chair of left-leaning advocacy Better Georgia, said Franklin was a founding member of the group.
"Today, not only has Georgia lost one of its brightest and best political minds, we have lost a dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Candice, his mother, former Mayor Shirley Franklin, and his entire family."
Chris Carpenter, Franklin's long-time business partner, called his death a "huge loss for the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia."
“All politics aside, he just understood people and politics better than any person I’ve ever known. He just got it, and so bright and talented."
Rebecca DeHart, the Democratic Party of Georgia director, said the party was struggling with his death.
"It's difficult to make a statement about the passing of a friend and a colleague who is admired as much as Cabral Franklin. The sadness is profound. Cabral was a stalwart for Democratic politics and policies. He was brilliant, kind and calm—even in the most trying of times. We extend our love to his brilliant wife,—our colleague and friend—Candice Franklin, their daughters, his mother Mayor Franklin, and the rest of his family. The Franklins are our Democratic family. And our hearts are heavy with this loss."
Charlie Harper of Peach Pundit recalled Franklin's long, quiet battle with cancer. From his post:
"Many of his friends were aware of the struggle and are feeling the loss today of one of Georgia's more effective up and coming political consultants. His work included campaigns for the non-metro T-SPLOST votes and the successful Charter School Amendment campaign, one that is noted for it's high performance in traditionally Democratic areas where Cabral focused his talent."
From Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed:
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cabral Franklin. He will be remembered as a devoted father, husband, son and brother. This is a deep loss for the City of Atlanta, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Franklin family."
And these by way of Twitter:
Read and sign the AJC's online guestbook for Cabral Franklin
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