Center for Black Deaf Studies (CBDS)

Established in 2020, the Center for Black Deaf Studies (CBDS) operates as an outreach center for teaching and learning about the Black Deaf experience and provides easy access to a range of useful content resources. CBDS will consist of offices for its professional staff, a computer lab, a digital library, and a smart classroom. It operates under the leadership of Dr. Carolyn McCaskill, professor in the Deaf Studies program.

CBDS embraces the Black American Sign Language (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.

1. 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.
2. Sponsor cultural events including dialogues, and celebrations.
3. Connect students to and/or create research opportunities in collaboration with affiliated faculty and campus partners.
4. Provide an environment of care and support for GU students, faculty and staff and community members
5. Employ staff members committed to student advocacy, advising and mentorship centered on positively impacting student retention and graduation
6. Monitor, coordinate, support, and encourage research in the community.
7. Raise funds to support programs for the center

Minor in Black Deaf Studies

Starting this fall 2022, our undergraduate students may consider the minor in Black Deaf Studies. The courses includes:

• Black ASL
• Black Deaf People Studies
• Black Deaf History: 1818 – 1890
• Black Deaf Seminar
• Orature & Literature in the Black Deaf Community

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.