Author, Educator, Performing Artist
Bringing the Harriet Tubman Tour to life.
M. Francine Jennings is a native of Richmond, VA currently residing in the Atlanta Metro area. Dr. J, as she is fondly called, has spent more than 30 years in the field of education and training; however, she has also had the opportunity to work semi-professionally as a performing artist and fitness instructor within the same timeframe.
She has written and produced more than 70 arts-integrated workshops and presentations throughout her career and is most noted for her acclaimed work as Harriet Tubman, receiving a Virginia gubernatorial commendation in 1997. This school year marks her 25th year embodying the life of Harriet Tubman on the Harriet Tubman Tour.
A former middle and high school teacher, Dr. Jennings has traveled around the country offering high-powered workshops for teachers, delivering intense school-based residencies, and providing energetic curriculum-based performances to pre-K-12 students. Currently, she serves as national faculty for Lesley University, teaching for both the Master’s and Ed.S. programs in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis on integrating the arts. Through her company, MFJ Consulting & Edutainment, her focus is to teach, inspire, motivate, and educate using the arts.
Dr. J obtained a Bachelor’s degree in French at Virginia Union University, a Master’s degree in Special Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, and a doctorate degree in Educational Administration and Leadership at Virginia Polytechnic & State University.