This Public Health Conversation Starter features Franklin Jones, Jr., lecturer in Deaf Studies at BU Wheelock, in conversation with Yvette Cozier, BUSPH Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

Our Conversation Starters engage leading thinkers in short discussions around issues of consequence in public health. This Starter is part of SPH Reads, our school-wide reading program hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. In conjunction with this year’s book selection, Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century, Dean Cozier is having discussions with leaders who are working to advance the health of disabled populations.

Resources

Transcript_In Conversation with Franklin Jones, Jr.

Speakers

Franklin Jones, Jr.

Lecturer, BU Wheelock

Franklin Jones, Jr.

Lecturer, BU Wheelock

Franklin Jones, Jr., is a lecturer in Deaf Studies at BU Wheelock. His primary role involves instructing students in American Sign Language (ASL) at various proficiency levels. His research interests include Black American Sign Language (BASL) and its historical origins, linguistic intricacies, and cultural significance, as well as the resilience of Black Deaf males in higher education. He is also a highly regarded speaker on educational, linguistic, and cultural equity within Deaf communities, covering topics such as Black Deaf experiences, ASL, Deaf culture, linguistics, and pedagogy.

Before joining Boston University, Professor Jones taught ASL at Gallaudet University, where he enhanced his teaching skills and understanding of ASL communication dynamics while instructing a diverse student body, including Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals.