Community leader Lamarr Franklin Passes at 80: Legacy Lives on in $16-million Housing Development

At the corner of King Drive and Dr. William Finlayson Street stands a $16-million affordable housing complex named in honor of Lamarr Franklin (pictured center)— a lasting tribute to a man many say dedicated his life to strengthening Milwaukee’s north side.

Franklin passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at the age of 80. For decades, he was a driving force in the community, working behind the scenes and on the front lines to create opportunities for residents and future generations.

He helped launch the MLK Economic Development Corporation, an organization focused on revitalizing the historic King Drive corridor.
Franklin also spent 40 years serving on the board of Northcott Neighborhood House, supporting programs that provide vital resources to families. In addition, he organized the city’s first Garfield Festival, bringing neighbors together in celebration of community and culture.

The Lamarr Franklin Lofts are located directly across the street from Bader Philanthropies. “Lamar Franklin, Mac Weddle, Ben Johnson… those are champions,” said Frank Cumberbatch, Vice President of Engagement at Bader Philanthropies. “And when we lose one, there’s a big hole. And today on this King Drive on the north side of Milwaukee, there’s a major void.”

In 1973, Franklin founded the Milwaukee chapter of the Black Achievers Program, mentoring generations of young leaders and helping shape futures through guidance and opportunity.

Wherever Franklin went, his best friend of more than 70 years, Mac Weddle, was often by his side. Their extraordinary friendship was well known in the community, and Weddle was with Franklin when he passed. Black History Month: Lifelong best friends give back to Milwaukee community.

Franklin’s nephew, Lester Julien, said his uncle’s commitment to the community is what should be remembered most.
“I want him to be remembered in the community for the hard work he did for the community, said Julien. He was a pillar in the community, well-liked, well-known…so I want him to be known as person that cared about his people.”

And now the building that bears his name stands as a lasting reminder of a life spent serving others.
In a statement released by former State Representative and Northcott Neighborhood House and Juneteenth Director of Operations Elizabeth Coggs:

“…Milwaukee has truly lost a quiet giant. We mourn the passing of Lamarr Franklin, a true Milwaukee champion. He was a Vietnam veteran, a loving husband, a devoted father, and a faithful family man whose life reflected steady service and deep commitment to his community. In 2023, he was honored as a Black Excellence Honoree, recognized as a veteran who served our nation during an unpopular war and celebrated alongside other Black veterans in Milwaukee for his courage and sacrifice.
For decades, he dedicated his life to expanding opportunity, building community, and ensuring that every family in our city could see a future with a stable place to call home. He was instrumental in launching the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation more than 30 years ago, and his vision helped shape so much of the progress we see in Milwaukee today. Lamarr put action behind his values and changed the lives of countless people.

On October 3, 2025, longtime community leader Lamarr Franklin began the first week of his eighties by cutting the ribbon on the LaMarr Franklin Lofts, an affordable housing complex named in his honor at the corner of North King Drive. Standing before the community, he humbly shared, “I am very proud and beyond words. Thank you for this.”

Along with the MLK Apartments above the King Drive Library and the upcoming Union at Rose Park, the LaMarr Franklin Lofts are part of a collective effort that will bring more than 200 new apartment units to the neighborhood by the end of 2026—an enduring testament to the housing opportunities he spent his life championing.

He was also deeply involved in the revitalization of King Drive and the Bronzeville district. When belief in the corridor’s future was low, Lamarr stood among those who believed in its promise. As Chairman of Historic King Drive BID #8, he supported the vision of creating “the Best King Drive in the Nation.” He believed in the people leading that effort and helped strengthen a coalition of elected officials, business owners, developers, philanthropic partners, and residents who shared the vision for a vibrant Bronzeville. Through that work, new businesses were recruited, national Main Street recognition was achieved, and transformative investments such as ThriveOn King brought major resources and opportunity back to the corridor. His leadership helped ensure that Dr. King’s name would live on through growth, culture, and community pride in Milwaukee.

He was a man who believed in improving the quality of life for others. Whether volunteering at church, supporting economic development in the Dr. Martin Luther King neighborhoods, or giving decades of his expertise as President of Northcott Neighborhood House, Lamarr led with humility and purpose…He didn’t just give of his time—he also gave generously of his resources, supporting churches and countless community projects. Lamarr was always there for this city—quietly, faithfully, and consistently.

Alongside his best friends of more than seventy years, Mac Weddle and Ben Johnson, they stood as three pillars of a seventy-year brotherhood—steady, faithful, and always together. Their bond reflected the same loyalty, love, and commitment that Lamarr showed to his family, his faith, and his community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who were touched by his life. May his memory be a blessing to Milwaukee and to all who knew and loved him.”