Where is the space for interpreters to hone in on their cultural competence in order to provide high-quality interpretation service? To create a sense of community requires a commitment to ensuring that diverse communities are represented, supported, and appreciated. There is an indication of the dire need to support consciousness-raising and develop more Black / African American interpreters — this conversation rightfully places racial injustice at the center of current pressing issues than at its margins. With better collaboration with black deaf advocacy and Black interpreting organizations, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) could anticipate adding an inclusive and vibrant civic engagement on campus and surrounding communities.
“Do we know any Black deaf with a contributing role at any HBCU teaching either American Sign Language or interpreting training programs?”
Howard University is located in one of the deaf community’s “Big Three” cities: Los Angeles, California, Rochester, New York, and Washington, D.C. According to Hbcu-colleges.com, Howard is currently categorized as the top-ranked HBCU foreign language school. Not only Howard, but the rest of HBCUs must also step up. This piece considers the lack of social capital between HBCUs and community engagement with both Black hearing and deaf communities: affiliated chapters of National Alliance of Black Interpreters, Incorporated, including NAOBI-DC, National Black Deaf Advocates, and American Association of the DeafBlind, and more.
There is a scarce amount of Black and Brown L2 learners exposed to the narratives of Black Deaf. Both bridging and linking social capital play a fundamental role in promoting event collaboration and creating safe spaces sign language immersion to engage efficiently with and hold a meaningful conversation with Black deaf or Child of Deaf Adults (CODAs) through networking groups or workshops. During my childhood and early adulthood, I only had known one Black interpreter for me to remain actively engaged in my coursework. Hence, representation in the interpreting field matters.
“If you are not at the decision-making table, you are on the menu and policy is only as good as the people who create it.”
Fostering institutional change by implementing action plans to dismantle systemic oppression. With efforts promoting diversity and inclusion, it is imperative for the Black community to analyze how the term “Audism” impacts the Black Deaf community. Once we gain a full understanding and centralize supplemental resources to increase Black interpreters and unearth untold stories of Black interpreting or the Black Deaf community, this should alleviate barriers for youths who may express interest to pursue post-secondary education at an HBCU. Let us ask ourselves a question: do we know any Black deaf with a contributing role at any HBCU teaching either American Sign Language or interpreting training programs? If you are not at the decision-making table, you are on the menu and policy. Simply said, it is only as good as a thought leader who creates opportunities and innovative strategic plans for the marginalized community of DC. Part of this is coalition building, leveraging resources, and skills of others so that Black hearing and deaf communities push the culture and community forward.
The importance of the establishment of the ASL and Interpreting Training Program is monumental when visualizing the future of HBCUs. Ebonic students would (or African American Vernacular English users) say ‘They be goin to school every day’. “The same geographic and social factors that promote the formation of spoken language varieties were also involved in the formation of Black ASL.” The works of pillars of the Black Deaf community, Dr. Shirley Childress; Dr. Glenn Anderson; Charles Williams; Dr. Carolyn McCaskill; and several NBDA pioneers, continue to inspire many and set the bar high for future Black deaf leaders and allies. The progression embarks with more open-minded compassionate leaders invest toward coalition building and leveraging the gifts, resources, and skills of others so that Black hearing and deaf communities push the culture and community forward.
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