“

”—Ola Joseph

“Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing

one another’s uniqueness.”

Welcome to MCDHH First

Black Deaf Commissioner

Welcome Dr. Opeluwa Sotonwa

Honoring our Black Deaf/Hearing Leaders in

Massachusetts

Local Leaders Advocating and providing services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Black Deaf/Hearing Advocates • Stephanie Hakulin

• Shana Gibbs

• Takiyah Harris

• Gary L. Ratliff

• Darlene Ratliff

• Elbert Joseph

Black Deaf Interpreters & Hearing Interpreters

• Stephanie Hakulin

• Christopher Robinson

• James Wiggins

• Letitia Bynoe

• Joe Toledo

• Shonnese Grant

• Julia Barnes

• Sharon Mendes

Black Deaf History & InformationHow to sign in BASL & History behind BASL and Language Preservation

Did you know?Black American Sign Language “BASL”

There are two different signs for Black.

When identifying the Color Black-uses a straight index finger and moves the tip across the forehead

When identifying a Person of Color who is Black or African American- 4-B handshape uses a straight 4 handshape and moves the tip across the forehead

Video: Dr. Carolyn McCaskillssharing about Signs of Solidarity for deaf black people

How to Sign in Black American Sign Language (BASL)Short clip about BASL

“

”—Frederick Douglass

“If there is no struggle, there

is no progress.”

National Black Deaf Advocates

About NBDA:The National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) is the official advocacy organization for thousands of Black Deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. Black deaf leaders were concerned that Black Deaf and hard of hearing Americans are not adequately represented in leadership and policy decision-making activities affecting their lives so they established NBDA in 1982.

NBDA’s Mission Statement

The Mission of the National Black Deaf Advocates is to promote the leadership development, economic and educational opportunities, social equality, and to safeguard the general health and welfare of Black deaf and hard of hearing people.

Notable Books by & about Black Deaf

Black and Deaf in America, Are we that different?

Sounds like Home: Growing up Black and Deaf in the South

Black Deaf Students: A Model for Educational Success

Roar of Silence: Trial & Triumph Through Deaf

Still I Rise: The Enduring Legacy of Black Deaf Arkansans Before & After Integration

The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL: Its History & Structure

Deaf, Dumb and Black: An Accounting of an Actual Life of a Family

Notable Black Deaf Leaders

Notable Black Deaf Americans with Ph.D

Dr. Glenn Anderson

Dr. Ernest Hairston

Dr. Reginald Redding

Dr. Laurene Simms

Dr. Angela & Carolyn McCaskill – Deaf Sisters

Dr. Nathie Marbury

Dr. Joseph Hill

Dr. Alesia Allen

How to educate your family about Black History Resources to educate yourself & children about Black History

Resources

Research website

Research & Learn about Black Icons National Archives The 1619 Project African American Museum in

Philadelphia Ferris State University’s Jim Crow

Museum https://dcmp.org/learn/366-black-

deaf-culture-through-the-lens-of-black-deaf-history

Books to read

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas The Slave Ship by Marcus Rediker Women, Race, and Class by Angela Y.

Davis Negroland: A Memoir by Margo

Jefferson Between the World and Me by Ta -

Nehisi Coates

How to teach your child about Black History

Website

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/teaching-your-child-about-black-history-month

Short Clip

Black History Month Films

https://www.imdb.com/list/ls076372388/