ABOUT US
About the Heritage Trail
Preserving the stories, places, and legacy of African American history in Mobile, Alabama.
ABOUT US
Dora Franklin Finley, Founder
Dora Franklin Finley was a visionary leader, community advocate, and preservationist whose life's work ensured that the stories of African American history in Mobile would never be forgotten. The daughter of civil rights advocates, she carried forward a family legacy of service.
Through the development of the Mobile African-American Heritage Trail, she recovered the city's forgotten chapters of local Black history — leaving a legacy illuminated by the stories of 'courageous contributors' for the inspiration of all generations to come.
IN HER OWN WORDS
A Life of Service
I was the eldest daughter of the late James H. Finley, Sr. and Joycelyn Franklin Finley. My parents were Civil Rights advocates who instilled in me a conviction to contribute to the physical and spiritual health of my community. My grandfather, Dr. James A. Franklin, Sr., also endowed me with a humanitarian legacy of service to the community.
Although a native of Mobile, after marriage I lived for five years (1973–1978) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. My professional career started as an accountant at Iowa Electric Light and Power Company. I was later appointed deputy director for a business development office, Iowa Development and Economic Assistance Systems (IDEAS). After the birth of my daughter, Nicole, I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1978 and completed my undergraduate degree with a BBA from Eastern Michigan University in 1982.
Upon my return to Mobile, I taught mathematics at John L. LeFlore High School and later became a loan officer at Commonwealth National Bank. I earned my Master's in Business Administration from Spring Hill College and launched my 25-year career in Managerial Logistics with Scott Paper Company / Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Subsequent to my retirement, I looked forward to making valuable contributions to the physical and spiritual health of Mobile's community.
After retirement, my second career focused on community contributions through working with church and community associations. Through the development of the Mobile African-American Heritage Trail, valuable history has been secured in the discovery of Mobile's forgotten chapters of local African American history.
I leave a legacy of an African-American historic trail that is illuminated by stories of “courageous contributors,” recognizing their determination and struggle for the inspiration and triumph of all generations to come.
OUR MISSION
Educate. Preserve. Remember.
To educate, preserve, and mark the historic contributions of African Americans in Mobile through storytelling, site-based exploration, and community engagement.
OUR STORY
From Vision to Living Legacy
IN LOVING MEMORY
Joycelyn A. Finley, Ph.D.
1956 – 2021 · ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS
Dr. Joycelyn A. Finley served as Vice President of the DFFAAHT, District 1 Representative for the Black Heritage Council, a member of Leadership Mobile, and of the Delta Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She continues to be cherished by family and friends.
LEADERSHIP