ABOUT
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Visionary Linda Lee Murrell
Author • Founder • CEO of ETM Theatrical Cultural Production Company, LLC
🎭 A Gift Recognized Early
From the time she was a little girl, Linda Lee Murrell carried the spark of storytelling in her soul. With a vivid imagination and a natural gift for words, she often found herself writing stories that reflected both her creativity and her keen sense of human emotion.
Her gift was first recognized in the sixth grade when her English teacher, Ms. Mativia, assigned the class an essay. Linda’s piece--“For the Love of Money,” inspired by the O’Jays’ classic song—so impressed her teacher that she read it aloud to the class and said, “You have a gift.”
Those words planted a seed that would one day bloom into a life of purpose, artistry, and service.
Her gift was first recognized in the sixth grade when her English teacher, Ms. Mativia, assigned the class an essay. Linda’s piece--“For the Love of Money,” inspired by the O’Jays’ classic song—so impressed her teacher that she read it aloud to the class and said, “You have a gift.”
Those words planted a seed that would one day bloom into a life of purpose, artistry, and service.
✝️ Faith, Art, and Purpose United
In 1987, when Linda joined St. Paul Community Baptist Church, her writing and performance gifts were nurtured through the Drama Ministry, and encouraged under the leadership of Ms. Sarah Plowden, the Women's Ministry Coordinator. Ms. Plowden assigned the women's group to write the essay, “An Apology to the Black Man,” and after reading Linda's, suggested she share her essay on Sunday. It moved the entire congregation and revealed her deeper calling—to use her words as instruments of healing, truth, and transformation.
Alongside her creative pursuits, Linda built a meaningful career in public service. As a Licensed Social Worker in New York City, she dedicated more than three and a half decades to supporting families and advocating for children through the Administration for Children’s Services. Her professional compassion and artistic passion intertwine beautifully in her storytelling, which often highlights redemption, community, and the human journey toward restoration.
Alongside her creative pursuits, Linda built a meaningful career in public service. As a Licensed Social Worker in New York City, she dedicated more than three and a half decades to supporting families and advocating for children through the Administration for Children’s Services. Her professional compassion and artistic passion intertwine beautifully in her storytelling, which often highlights redemption, community, and the human journey toward restoration.
✍🏽 From Page to Stage
In 2005, during her studies about Adam and Eve with Bishop Johnny R. Youngblood and the Think Tank Genesis Group, Bishop Youngblood commissioned Linda to write her first stage production, “The Surprise Witness: An Apologia for Adam and Eve.” The production premiered at the church first, and then became a featured event in 2007 at The Black Christian Women’s Conference in Texas.
Linda later adapted the play into a book in 2022; and that adaptation opened the door for something even greater—an entire company dedicated to bringing her stories to life.
Linda later adapted the play into a book in 2022; and that adaptation opened the door for something even greater—an entire company dedicated to bringing her stories to life.
The Birth of ETM
🌹 A Legacy of Love and Theater
On September 17, 2022, Linda’s beloved mother, Edith Theusdee McGowan, transitioned to glory. A woman who had instilled in her daughter a love for the arts—through Broadway plays, concerts, and cultural experiences—became the inspiration behind ETM Theatrical Cultural Production Company, LLC (ETM representing her mother’s initials).
ETM Theatrical Productions was birthed from love—a way to honor her mother’s memory while helping to heal and give back to the Black community. The company’s mission is to “Bring Broadway to Brooklyn” and provide residents with rich theatrical experiences based on Linda's published works that promote love, healing, reconciliation, and unity within the Black Community.
Each year, on the third Saturday in July, ETM hosts a staged production inspired by Linda’s writings.—each performance filled with standing-room-only audiences and heartfelt applause.
ETM Theatrical Productions was birthed from love—a way to honor her mother’s memory while helping to heal and give back to the Black community. The company’s mission is to “Bring Broadway to Brooklyn” and provide residents with rich theatrical experiences based on Linda's published works that promote love, healing, reconciliation, and unity within the Black Community.
Each year, on the third Saturday in July, ETM hosts a staged production inspired by Linda’s writings.—each performance filled with standing-room-only audiences and heartfelt applause.
❤️ Black Love: A Celebration of Us
In 2025, Linda expanded her vision with The Black Love Presentation, a celebration of the many faces of love within the Black community—romantic, familial, spiritual, and communal. The event serves as both a mirror and a message, reflecting the beauty, complexity, and resilience of Black identity and faith.
Through this initiative, ETM continues to affirm identity, inspire unity, and uplift generations through faith-infused creativity.
Through this initiative, ETM continues to affirm identity, inspire unity, and uplift generations through faith-infused creativity.
🌟 Join the Movement
ETM Theatrical Cultural Production Company, LLC welcomes volunteers of all ages who have a heart for community, creativity, and cultural excellence. Whether you love acting, stage design, organizing, or simply serving—there is a place for you in this movement.
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“Love is our stage. Community is our audience. And God is our Director.”
Join us. Be part of the story. Help us bring Broadway to Brooklyn. 📩 [ Volunteer with ETM] | 🎭 [See Production Photos] | 📚 [Explore Linda’s Books] |
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