The guest for this episode is renowned playwright, author, educator, and activist J.e. Franklin. Ms. Franklin is the founder and producing artistic director of Harlem's Blackgirl Ensemble Theater, Inc. and has written numerous plays, including the seminal "Black Girl," which has been on stage, TV, and film. We discuss her decision to make her home in New York City, after growing up in Houston, her time volunteering with Fannie Lou Hamer and Bob Moses in Mississippi, and how she became involved in theatre.

Ms. Franklin explains the connection between theatre and education and speaks eloquently about the need to incorporate philosophy and participatory practices when teaching children.

In addition, Ms. Franklin recounted the many Black writers, poets, playwrights, actors, and musicians that thrived in Greenwich Village and Harlem in t ...