Franklin Jones, Jr.
Lecturer
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.
Recent News
- Scholarly Accomplishments, May 2026
- Scholarly Accomplishments, February 2026
- A Race to Study-and Preserve-Black American Sign Language
- Challenging the Anti-ASL Actions of the ACLU of Delaware
- In Pursuit of “A Better Education” for Black Deaf Students
- BU Wheelock Welcomes New Faculty for Fall 2021
In the Media
Education
PhD, Education Studies, Boston University (current student)
MA, Sign Language in Education, Gallaudet University
BA, American Sign Language, and Minor in Deaf Studies and Linguistics, Gallaudet University
AS, Commercial Graphics, and Certificate, Digital Photography, Trident Technical
Courses
WED DE 381: American Sign Language I
WED DE 382: American Sign Language II
WED DE 383: American Sign Language III
WED DE 384: American Sign Language IV
ED 130: Exploring Professions that Impact Lives II
ED 131: Exploring Professions Field Seminar II
Selected Publications
Jones Jr., F. R. (2026). Learn Black American Sign Language: A history and complete beginner’s guide with over 200 words and phrases. Wellfleet Press.
Harris, R. L. & Jones, F.R. (2022) TRUE+WAY ASL: Unit 8. Austin, TX: Purple Moontower, LLC.
Selected Presentations
Jones, F. R., Jr. (2026, May 23). My journey with Black American Sign Language and the story behind the book [Guest speaker presentation]. Louisiana Association of the Deaf, Louisiana, United States.
Jones, F. R., Jr. (2026, May 16). Keynote address. Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Jones, F. R., Jr. (2026, May 11). Black American Sign Language (BASL) [Guest speaker presentation]. Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Cambridge, MA, United States.
Jones, F. R., Jr. (2026, April 20). Black American Sign Language (BASL) [Guest speaker presentation]. Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
Jones, F. R., Jr. (2026, April 13). My journey with Black American Sign Language [Virtual guest speaker presentation]. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.
Jones, F. R., Jr. (2026, February 23). The story behind the BASL book [Virtual guest speaker presentation]. St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, FL, United States.
Jones, F. R., Jr. (2026, February 16). My journey with Black American Sign Language [Guest speaker presentation]. Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States.
Jones, F., (2023, May 9). Black American Sign Language: Past and present. [Online presentation.] Beverly School for the Deaf, Boston, MA.
Jones, F., (2023, February 18). Black American Sign Language and Black Deaf Health Disparities. Black Health Matters Conference, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.
Jones, F., & Washington-Shepard, N., (2019) Still Ain’t Satisfied?: The Limit of Difference. American Sign Language Teachers Association National Biannual Conference, San Diego, CA.