Franklin E. McCain was born in Union County, N.C., and grew up in Washington, D.C., where he graduated from Eastern High School. He received a B.S. degree in chemistry and biology from North Carolina A&T State University in 1964.

While an A&T student, he roomed with David Richmond — another of the original sit-in participants — and around the corner from Ezell Blair Jr. and Joseph McNeil on the second floor of Scott Hall.

He joined the Celanese Corporation in Charlotte in 1965 as a chemist and later headed the company’s office in Shelby, N.C. He is married to the former Bettye Davis and they have three sons.

Source: International Civil Rights Center & Museum