As we pass the midway point of Black History Month, we continue to celebrate the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of the Black Deaf community. At Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), we recognize the importance of amplifying Black Deaf voices and highlighting resources that empower and uplift the Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to only for this month, but all year long.
As part of our commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality, we're proud to spotlight organizations and initiatives that support Black Deaf individuals and allies. Here are some valuable resources that may be useful to you:
- Black Deaf Center - A hub focused on preserving the rich heritage of Black Deaf individuals, holding many resources containing many resources such as books, vlogs, workshops, and more.
- National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) - NBDA is dedicated to promoting leadership development, economic and educational opportunities, social equality, and cultural awareness for Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
- Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University - The outreach center for research, education, and advocacy focused on Black Deaf experience.
- HEARD (Helping Educate to Advance the Rights of the Deaf) - HEARD works to empower Deaf individuals with disabilities who are incarcerated or in the legal system, with a particular focus on addressing systemic injustices faced by Black Deaf/Disabled individuals.
- BLACK, DISABLED, AND PROUD - This project is a partnership between University of the District of Columbia, Howard University, and Syracuse University, and the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD). They offer a listserv for resources for you to sign up and subscribe.
- Black Disability Coalition - The coalition focuses on promoting disability equity in the greater Black community, advocating for systemic change and amplifying the voices of Black individuals with disabilities.
- The Divas with Disabilities Project - This movement amplifies and empowers Black and brown women with disabilities by providing a community and network that identifies opportunities for inclusion in the media. They are committed to storytelling, advocacy, and community building.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let's not only reflect on the past but also commit to creating a more equitable and inclusive future. By supporting and amplifying resources like those mentioned above, we can continue to uplift and empower the Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
