Celebrating Representation, Identity and Diversity of Black Deaf Families Part 4
This blog is part 4 of 4
February might be winding down to a close, but every month is an opportunity to celebrate and uplift Black life, history and culture. Over the last couple of weeks, we have turned the spotlight on Black Deaf Families. We discussed representation and the intersectional identities of Black Deaf Families. Through these blogs the incredible diversity of Black Deaf Communities is undeniable.
The Black Deaf Community represents a unique sect of the African Diaspora. Like Black people everywhere, we are connected by a shared ancestry and heritage. As Black Deaf people, we are connected by shared experiences as a linguistic and cultural minority. Yet as much as we have in common, there is so much that differentiates us in wonderful and extraordinary ways.
Throughout the Diaspora
Black Deaf people exist pretty much everywhere, in and outside of the Motherland. From the Americas to the Caribbean to Europe and beyond. Although our cultural norms and our languages differ, our shared heritage remains the same. Watch these stories from Black Deaf people from various cultural, geographic and linguistic backgrounds.
- Nigeria – Chidi
- Eritrean – Hermon and Heroda
- Jamaican – Claudia Gordon
- South Sudanese – AYIU JOHN WUOL
- Kenyan – Ashura Michael
- Based in Australia – Ashton Jean-Pierre
There are many more unseen and unheard Black Deaf communities that have not been highlighted here. This doesn’t mean that they are nonexistent. Throughout this series we wanted to bring representation of the diversity of these communities in hopes of seeing more of these stories in the spotlight.
Black Deaf people are not a monolith
Black Deaf families and communities are so unique and nuanced. Our cultures vary across timezones and continents. We are more than what Hollywood portrays us as and more of our stories from us and by us should be shared. This month we explored existing stories from regular people that you may not have seen otherwise. We hope that some of these stories well represented the beauty and diversity of Black Deaf families and communities.
Wondering how you can be a better ally and advocate for Black Deaf communities? Here’s some friendly advice from a deaf Zambian, Frances.
Video from Purple Communications.
