N.C. Central University will celebrate the birthday of historian and activist John Hope Franklin on Friday.

Franklin, a longtime Durham resident, turned 90 on Jan. 2.

ften called the dean of African-American history, Franklin wrote “From Slavery to Freedom,” in 1945 while teaching history at NCCU — then called North Carolina College for Negroes.

NCCU history professor Deborah Hamlin, the organizer of the John Hope Franklin Day, said the events will enlighten students about Franklin’s life.

“John Hope Franklin is warm, kind, learned man who doesn’t mind saying what needs to be said and doing what needs to be done,” said Hamlin, who teaches “Race and History: An Examination of the Writings of John Hope Franklin.”

Events begin at 10 a.m. with the John Hope Franklin Documentary Film Fest in the Alfonso Elder Student Union.

Films include:

“First Person Singular: Biographical Conversations” and

“Tutu and Franklin: A Journey Toward Peace.”

From noon to 2 p.m. a luncheon for invited guests will be held in the B.N. Duke Auditorium.

There will be a Grand Student Birthday Salute at the main entrance to the Student Union at 2:30 p.m. where Franklin will be ushered in by students.

The John Hope Franklin 90th Birthday Student Tribute will start at 3 p.m. Students from Hamlin’s course will tell Franklin how he has inspired them.

“They will say happy birthday in a way that speaks of his life and work,” said Hamlin.

The activities will conclude with the presentation of a birthday cake.