franklin eaves religious interpreting scholarship (FERIS)
Elder Franklin Eaves
Franklin Eaves will forever be remembered for his tireless dedication to the Deaf community and the profession of interpreting. While he wore many hats throughout his life such as Medical Specialist in the US Army and Martial Arts Instructor, as he held a six-degree black belt in Taekwondo, his love for the Deaf community would take the center stage.
He was a faithful and dedicated servant, Elder, and church interpreter. As founder of the Prophetic Hands Deaf Ministry at New Mercies Christian Church in Lilburn, Georgia, he facilitated access to worship services for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing and also served as an Elder.
Rooted in his faith, he served as a religious interpreter in varying capacities. He traveled worldwide interpreting for many events and organizations including the National Baptist Church Convention, Manpower Conference, Black Voters Matter, The National Action Network and the United States White House.
Franklin is a founding member of United We Sign, a coalition of East Coast church interpreters. He championed the work of The International Institute of Deaf Services, Inc., a source for faith-based interpreters across the country, offering training and resources to promote Deaf leadership and empowerment.
Franklin was a strong ally for the Deaf community and a staple for NAOBI-Atlanta where he served as scholarship committee chairperson. Franklin’s continuous work as a skilled interpreter for the Deaf in the religious setting is the inspiration for the Franklin Eaves Religious Interpreting Scholarship (FERIS).
