To mark its fifth anniversary, the Center for Black Deaf Studies (CBDS) held a panel at the Jordan Student Academic Center on February 20. The event celebrated how CBDS empowers students and promotes research into Black Deaf history.
The panelists discussed their personal stories and careers in Black Deaf leadership and education. Panelists were: Evon Black, ’87 & G-’96, Associate Director of the CBDS; Lindsay Dunn, ’85 & EDS ‘25, the first CBDS scholar and researcher, and Dr. Carolyn D. McCaskill, ’77, G-’79, & PhD ’05 (who joined via Zoom), founding Director of CBDS, a professor in the Deaf Studies program, and member of the CBDS Advisory Board.
Dr. Joseph Hill, G-’04 & PhD ’11, Director of the CBDS, moderated the panel. Hill contextualized the lecture series by introducing the audience to Andrew Foster, ’54, a pioneer in Deaf education in Africa. Foster founded multiple schools for Deaf students and is recognized as a life-changing leader in global Deaf education.
Panelists each shared how they became involved with CBDS and how it helped shape their careers and strengthen their futures. They explained the history and purpose of the CBDS at Gallaudet: to highlight Black Deaf history, support research and scholarship, empower Black Deaf students, and build leadership within the community.
A celebratory reception followed the CBDS panel, featuring catering provided by Jamar Higgins, owner of Wapisht LLC, Catering & Private Event Planning.
