Franzine Taylor Obituary
Society News – Rebellion Research
Obituary for Frazine Taylor
On July 24, Alabama State University lost a cherished staff member whose contributions to the field of genealogy and the history of Black Americans, particularly descendants of slaves, were monumental. Frazine Taylor, an esteemed archivist and genealogist at the Levi Watkins Learning Center (LWLC), passed away, leaving a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her and in the academic community she so deeply enriched.
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Dr. Janice Franklin, dean of the LWLC and executive director of ASU’s National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African American Culture, hired Taylor and reflected on her impactful legacy. “We are all still suffering a tremendous loss and are still grieving over Frazine’s passing,” Franklin stated. “She did so much to help advance us within the library, our Archives department, and especially through the positive publicity she garnered for us due to the many national television profiles, magazine stories, and newspaper articles written about her great ability in genealogy and history. She can never be replaced.”
Frazine Taylor’s work on the heritage of Black families earned her recognition from numerous national news outlets, bringing her expertise to millions of people. Her contributions were featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone Magazine, NBC National News, and many other prestigious platforms. Most recently, she was profiled in The Christian Science Monitor in October 2023, and her work was set to be highlighted in an upcoming CBS Evening News’ Eye on America segment.
Dr. Howard Robinson, the LWLC’s associate director of archives and cultural heritage, credited Taylor with inspiring his interest in Black history. “Ms. Taylor was an inspiration to me for many decades. She was a positive force across the nation in genealogy and African American history,” said Robinson. “Frazine was extraordinary because of her dedication and understanding of genealogy, history, and how to conduct the proper research to obtain the answers desired.”
Before joining ASU, Taylor made significant strides at the Alabama Department of Archives and History, serving as the “head of Ready Reference.” Her skills in overseeing the agency’s research and assisting individuals in tracing their family trees were legendary. Steve Murry, director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, highlighted her impact. “Frazine’s commitment to helping the public access their family members’ data, especially those who were African American, is numerous, successful, and well-known,” Murry stated. Her 2008 book, Researching African American Genealogy in Alabama – A Resource Guide, remains a critical resource for overcoming the complexities of tracing African American lineage.
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Taylor’s peers held her in the highest regard. Among her many accolades was the prestigious Dorothy Parker Wesley Award in 2022, recognizing her efforts as an information professional working to preserve African American history. “She won too many awards and recognitions for us to list them all at one time,” Robinson noted, “yet I would be remiss not to mention her winning the most prestigious national award in her field.”
Despite her academic achievements, Taylor became known for her approachable nature and ability to connect with everyone, from scholars with doctoral degrees to individuals without formal education. “Like Harvard’s Dr. Henry Louis Gates on PBS Television’s ‘Finding Your Roots,’ Frazine Taylor was also a trailblazer in genealogical research and history,” Robinson said. “She helped people discover family members they otherwise would have never known. That is among the many aspects which made her such an awesome person and scholar.”
Frazine Taylor’s legacy will continue to inspire those in the fields of genealogy and history. She leaves behind a lasting impact on the many lives she touched through her dedication, scholarship, and compassion.
Alabama State University (rebellionresearch.com)
