WRA Trustee Emeritus David Hunter ’68, with a law career spanning more than 40 years, introduced Franks at today’s Morning Meeting. “When Americans travel outside the United States,” Hunter began, “the prospect of getting locked up abroad doesn’t usually cross their minds. But when those trips don’t go as planned and an American gets detained abroad, their families often turn to Jonathan Franks.” Hunter explained that Franks works through public and private channels, aiming to build awareness, apply pressure and mobilize the public to support the secure release of detainees.
As the founder and president of Lucid Public Relations, Franks dedicates himself to ensuring stories — especially those of political prisoners — are told. His work, guided by targeted communication with both government officials and media outlets, has helped free Americans detained abroad, such as Trevor Reed and, most recently, James Frisvold, wrongfully accused of murder and held for 13 years in a Mexican prison. Franks’ approach, marked by planned protests, media campaigns and diplomacy, has secured the release of a dozen political prisoners since 2015, despite the complex nature of hostage negotiations. Further, his “Bring Our Families Home” campaign highlights the power of human stories, offering hope to families with detained loved ones.
“My job is to care about Americans,” Franks shared. “Seeing someone come home after decades detained and reunited with their families… this is real life.”
Franks encouraged students to consider the power of their daily choices, emphasizing that every decision has consequences. “You are the first generation to fully experience a globalized world,” Franks said. “You can change the conversation.” He urged students to respect the cultures and laws of other countries, to be mindful of their actions and to understand that their choices — whether traveling abroad, representing themselves, their families or even their school — carry weight.
Franks’ words, spoken on ABC’s “Nightline” following James Frisvold’s release last September, are especially relevant in today’s connected yet often divided world: “The value of talking for the benefit of the whole world exceeds the political risk of doing so.” His belief in the power of urgent, diplomatic communication is echoed in the everyday lives of WRA students, who are learning that respectful dialogue can bridge divides and influence outcomes.
