Though he grew in South Central Los Angeles and later played running back at UCLA, Johnathan Franklin said he wasn’t aware of Kenny Washington even with that overlap.
That reality, he said, makes him more proud of the film the Rams made chronicling Washington’s life and career.
“It’s been awesome seeing the entire organization come together and tell this powerful story of a hero who inspired so many then, and will soon inspire many more,” Franklin said.
Franklin, who is now in his eighth season working for the Rams, currently serves as Director, Social Justice and Football Development and was integrated into the film because of those aforementioned connections. He has also assisted with coordinating programming efforts that help Washington’s legacy live on year-round, including supporting the Kenny Washington Memorial Game at his high school alma mater, launching the Kenny Washington Memorial Scholarship for 13 first generation high school students, and honoring 13 community leaders that embodies leadership traits of Kenny throughout the Rams’ “pLAymakers” program.
It also ties into what Franklin said is the best part of his job, which is serving the L.A. region and beyond.
“Each day we have an opportunity to listen, learn, and then respond in a strategic way to inspire change,” Franklin said. “Understanding we’re not the subject matter experts in certain areas, it’s always exciting bringing thought partners to the table and collaborating on ways to impact various communities.”
According to Franklin, there are three people who have been especially influential in his career: Bridge Street, Inc. President and CEO Martin Ludlow, Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy, and Franklin’s mother. Franklin met Ludlow during his time at Dorsey High School, while Murphy became a “great” mentor of his once Franklin’s football career ended in Green Bay. And his mom set an example with her work ethic.
“These two (Ludlow and Murphy) have provided such great insight, advice, and support,” Franklin said. “My mom has also played an influential role in my life. She is the most hard-working person I’ve ever met in my life.”
What motivates Franklin and what inspire change means to him go hand-in-hand.
He is motivated by providing hope where it doesn’t exist and maintaining it where it does, because “many times you have to believe without seeing.”
“And I believe that one day regardless of what zip code you grow up in, all community members will have access to a great education,…
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