Playwright, writer and teacher. J. E. Franklin (Jennie Elizabeth Franklin) was born in Houston, TX, 1937. She received her B.A. degree from the University of Texas. She has also taken graduate courses at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. She has developed her skills as an artist-therapist, and became the director of the Theater for Artcentric Living, Church of the Crucifixion, New York City. Her book "Black girl from genesis to revelations," 1976, contains an introduction to her best-known play, "Black girl," 1969. She is the recipient of the New York Drama Desk Award, as one of the most promising playwrights, 1971; Media Women Award, 1971; New York State Council on the Arts Public Service Grant, 1972; Better Boys Foundation Playwriting Award, 1978. Franklin was a member of the Frank Silvera Writers Workshop, Author's League of America, Dramatists Guild, and Professional Staff Congress.