Black ASL and Black Deaf History
Black ASL is a distinct dialect unto itself, and its history is inextricably linked to how and why it is different.
For Black History Month 2021, we set out to point attention to a number of informative, freely available resources online to help people learn more about Black ASL and the Black Deaf community. We have collected these resources below, to be an enduring landing page to point people to where they can learn more and explore other resources.
Black ASL
Black ASL is a unique variety of ASL used across the US, and has a rich history and unique features. Check out this poster made by the NC State Language Diversity Ambassadors (check out their Instagram page here)
Click to view full poster
Southern School for the Deaf
Did you know the last segregated Deaf school didn't close until 1978? That's 3 years after we were founded!
Check out this neat video from Sorenson interviewing some of the graduates of the Southern School for the Deaf
Reflections on Black History Month - Dr. Joseph Hill
This quote is from a great article from Dr. Joseph Hill about how the history of segregation and discrimination has had unique impacts to the Black Deaf Community.⠀
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Read the full article here.
The History of Black Deaf Schools
This video from the Language and Life Project at NC State features experts (and familiar faces!) talking about the history of Black Deaf Schools and its influence on the development of Black ASL; check it out.
Bias in Signs
Did you realize that the way that we communicate can include implicit biases? The way that certain words, metaphors, and signs are formed can reflect the biases of the society they come from.⠀
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This vlog takes a look at the signs for BLACK, WHITE, and WHITE-PERSON and examines some of the inadvertent meaning they may convey
The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL
The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL is a great book exploring this variety of ASL, its history, linguistic features, and other unique features.
This playlist accompanies the book, and is a great resource.
Signing Black in America
This is the first documentary about Black ASL, detailing its unique features and how it conveys a sense of solidarity and belonging.
The Language and Life Project has made this documentary available on their website for the month of February, check it out now.
North Carolina Black Deaf Advocates
The North Carolina Black Deaf Advocates is our local state chapter of the NBDA.⠀
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Check out their website to learn more about what they do and how you can get involved!⠀