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Center for Black Deaf Studies

CBDS embraces the Black ASL and Black Deaf Studies, and the Black Deaf experience.

The Center for Black Deaf Studies (CBDS) was established in 2020. The Center will operate as an outreach center for teaching and learning about the Black Deaf experience and provide easy access to a range of useful content resources.

CBDS will consist of offices for its professional staff, a computer lab, digital library, and a smart classroom. It operates under the leadership of Dr. Carolyn McCaskill, professor in the Deaf Studies program.

The CBDS aligns with the University’s Mission of providing a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.

Goals for The Center for Black Deaf Studies

The CBDS aligns with the University’s Mission of providing a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.

Offer a minor focusing on the histories and cultures of African Americans with an appreciation for the historical, social and political influences of Africa and the African diaspora.

Sponsor cultural events including dialogues, and celebrations.

Connect students to and/or create research opportunities in collaboration with affiliated faculty and campus partners.

Employ staff members committed to student advocacy, advising and mentorship centered on positively impacting student retention and graduation.

Provide an environment of care and support for GU students, faculty and staff and community members.

Monitor, coordinate, support, and encourage research in the community.

Raise funds to support programs for the center.

Logo for the Center for Black Deaf Studies featuring four hands in American Sign Language (ASL) gestures, with the text "CENTER for BLACK DEAF STUDIES" below in bold white letters. The design includes a green and red horizontal line above the hands.

CBDS in the News

A classroom scene where a teacher in a lab coat assists two students with a microscope. One student is wearing a black and white checkered shirt and blue gloves, while the other student is wearing a black shirt and blue gloves. Other students are visible in the background, all wearing masks.

Featured in USA Today

“Black, deaf and proud: Gallaudet University embraces commitment to diversity with student center”

This article from USA Today discusses the Center for Black Deaf Studies, Black ASL, and the Black Deaf experience, while highlighting the voices of key leaders of the Center and the Black Deaf community.

Logo of USA Today in white text on a gray circular background.

USA Today | February 3, 2022

Black, Deaf and proud​

Three shapes in shades of gray: a large circle on the left, a medium circle in the center, and a smaller oval on the right.

medium.com | March 1, 2021

Preserving Black American Sign Language

Logo featuring the letters "GMA" in a bold, stylized font, accompanied by a curved line beneath it, all in a light gray color on a white background.

Good Morning America | February 18, 2021

Preserving Black American Sign Language

Logo of Global News featuring the words "Global" and "NEWS" in a bold font, accompanied by a right-facing arrow. The design is predominantly in gray tones.

Global News | February 1, 2021

Black American Sign Language

A stylized letter "T" within a circular gray background, featuring elegant curves and geometric shapes.

The New York Times | January 23, 2021

Black, Deaf and Extremely Online

Logo featuring the letters "wp" in a stylized white font on a gray circular background.

The Washington Post | February 21, 2020

How America developed two sign languages

A group of five people, wearing face masks, gather outdoors. One person, seated, holds a framed certificate or award, while the others stand closely around them, smiling and looking at the framed item. The background features greenery and a building.

Events hosted by the Center for Black Deaf Studies, including interviews with the Miller family.

Open House

Webinar #1 - Awareness

Webinar #2 - Freedom

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Support the Louise B Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children

A memorial to honor a significant and historically overlooked milestone for Gallaudet University and the world.

A black and white photograph of a woman, a boy, and a man standing together outdoors. The woman is wearing a dark suit with a light blouse, the boy is dressed in a light-colored suit with a patterned tie, and the man is in a dark suit with a hat. They are standing in front of a bushy background.

Minor in Black Deaf Studies

Our undergraduate students can now pursue the minor in Black Deaf Studies, explore the minor’s offerings below.

Courses

Resources​

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Black Student Union

The Black Student Union seeks to develop unity among black students so that jointly and strongly they can express concerns and problems faced on campus.

A computer lab filled with students working at iMacs. Some are focused on their screens, while others are reading books or taking notes. A teacher is standing and interacting with the students. The room is well-lit with large windows and modern decor.

Computer Lab

A computer lab is a space which provides computer services to a defined community.
Three individuals stand behind a colorful display board at a table. The board features various images and text. The setting appears to be a public space, possibly a fair or event. The individuals are smiling and gesturing towards the display.

Black Student Union

The Black Student Union seeks to develop unity among black students so that jointly and strongly they can express concerns and problems faced on campus.

Advisory Board

A group of seven young adults stands together outdoors, smiling. They are dressed in casual black clothing and are positioned closely, with their arms around each other. In the background, there are several modern buildings and a clear sky.

Peer Mentor Program

Student Success’s Peer Mentorship program is designed to assist students in their social, personal, and academic acclimation to Gallaudet University.
A computer lab filled with students working at iMacs. Some are focused on their screens, while others are reading books or taking notes. A teacher is standing and interacting with the students. The room is well-lit with large windows and modern decor.

Computer Lab

A computer lab is a space which provides computer services to a defined community.

Scholarships

News

Advisory Board

A smiling woman with long, straight black hair, wearing a green and blue patterned blouse. She has a radiant complexion and is adorned with earrings. The background is a light, neutral color.
Dr. Carolyn McCaskill, Ph.D.
A person with dark curly hair is smiling and wearing a black shirt with a colorful bow tie. They are standing in front of a reddish-brown background.
Dr. Rezenet Moges-Riedel
A smiling older man with glasses and a short, bald head, wearing a blue and black checkered shirt, stands indoors with a bright, softly lit background.
Lindsay Dunn
A smiling man with short dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard, wearing a light blue checkered shirt and a blue tie, against a neutral gray background.
Tim Albert
A woman with short, white hair smiles warmly at the camera, set against a backdrop of green foliage. She is wearing a dark-colored shirt and has small earrings.
Dr. Cell Lucas
A smiling woman with short, silver hair, wearing a black top and a white necklace, against a neutral background.
Dr. Sandra Jowers-Barber
A smiling person with short, curly hair styled with a puff on top, wearing glasses and a white shirt, seated in front of a light green wall.
Daisy Wooten

Meet the Advisory Board

Dr. Carolyn McCaskill, Ph.D.

Advisory Board Member

Dr. Rezenet Moges-Riedel

Advisory Board Member

Lindsay Dunn

Advisory Board Member

Tim Albert

Advisory Board Member

Dr. Ceil Lucas

Advisory Board Member

Dr. Sandra Jowers-Barber

Advisory Board Member

Daisy Wooten

Advisory Board Member