February is Black History Month – a time to celebrate the wonders of Black History. Black Deaf Culture is formed by two minority groups: African American and Deaf. This history of Black Deaf culture is not taught enough. Let’s come together to learn more and to honor in the Black Deaf community and their accomplishments as it would create awareness for all people of color.
The history of how Black History Month started:
The observation of Black History Month dates back in 1915 when Carter G. Woodson now known as the “Father of Black History”, created an organization called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
1926: Created Negro History Week in the U.S. on the second week of February
1970: Negro History Week becomes Black History Month by Black students at Kent State University who proposed the first Black History Month and celebrated it in February 1970. Every President of U.S. since Ronald Reagan has issued a Black History Month proclamation.
The story that you may have heard of our famous Black Legacy such as:
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Harriet Tubman, the influential “conductor” of the Underground Railroad
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Frederick Douglass, the most powerful civil rights advocate of his era
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Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights Activist, Baptist Minister
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Thurgood Marshall, Supreme Court Justice
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Jesse Owens, Track & Field Athlete
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Jackie Robinson, Baseball Player Civil Right Activist
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Barack Obama, 44th President of the United State
Black Deaf People’s Accomplishments and Recognitions:
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Andrew J. Foster, Missionary, Educator, and Advocates
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Angela McCaskill, Educator in Black ASL
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Claudia Gordon, Lawyer and Advocates
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Dr. Laurene Simms, Educator
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Warren aka Wawa Snipe, Actor, Musician and Performer
NC Association of the Deaf has been continually partnering with NC Black Deaf Advocates (NCBDA) for years. NCBDA welcomes anyone who is interested in joining as a member. If interested, please send an email at: ncbdatreasurer@gmail.com.
Article submitted by Martina Moore-Reid
