Janet R. Griffin

Retired English Professor

Janet R. Griffin, professionally known as Lady Janet or Lady J, is a retired Howard University professor/author/poet. She was a professor of English for more than four decades, teaching students the fundamentals of English, including English grammar and composition. In addition to teaching, Lady Janet has published more than ten volumes of poetry which have been donated to students and can be purchased on amazon.com and alibris.com. One of Lady J’s lifelong passions has been mentoring young people, especially young women and children. The Columbia Gospel Messenger choir was the first itinerant choir organized in Columbia, MD. It contained more than 74 children.

Along with mentoring, Lady J has always volunteered her free time in various capacities. For more than 40 years, she has maintained proudly her public relations usher position at the Arena Stage. She also serves hot lunch for the Prince George’s County Senior Nutrition Program. After retiring, Lady J perfected her crochet art skills in the service of donating her artwork to Howard University Hospital cancer patients. Her “caps supreme” with matching scarves and other stylish beanies are masterful and popular gifts for any occasion. In recent months, Lady Janet’s art designs have expanded to include exquisite, crochet beanie caps for newborn babies to be donated to local hospitals.