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Louise B. Miller Memorial

A group of five people, all wearing masks, gathers outdoors. One elderly man seated in a chair holds a framed certificate, while the others stand around him, smiling and looking towards him. The background features greenery and a building.

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

The Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children offers a safe space to engage with others in exploring history and building a path forward, while the Center for Black Deaf Studies brings the intersectionality issue to the forefront and gives Black Deaf people the opportunity to share stories and mentor each other.

We are at a rare and critical moment in history where, as a nation, we are collectively open to learning, understanding, and recalibrating the wrongs that were done to Black people in the past. We are on the precipice of transformational change and we can specifically enact it for Black and Deaf people in particular through this effort.

Organizations, corporations and individuals have all pledged their commitment to appreciating and actively supporting Black history and culture while making meaningful strides in restorative justice with the goal of obtaining true equity and inclusion. Now is the time to seize the moment.

AWARENESS FREEDOM REMEMBRANCE HEALING

Our memorial will provide a space for reflection and healing through the remembrance of all who have fought for the equality that Black Deaf children deserve.

Gallaudet is taking action by designing a new memorial and walking path, which is the Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children. This space will reflect upon the four attributes: awareness of Black Deaf people and their lived experience; the freedom that Ms. Miller’s advocacy brought to the city’s Black Deaf students; remembrance of the courtroom struggle for justice in learning; and healing for past injustices.

A vibrant outdoor garden space featuring lush greenery, trees, and colorful flowers. People are seen interacting in the area, with some sitting on modern seating arrangements. A gentle mist is present, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
A vibrant outdoor scene featuring a landscaped area with trees and flowering plants. People of various ages are enjoying the space, some walking, while others engage in activities. The sky is bright, suggesting a sunny day, and there are reflections on the ground, indicating recent rain.
A landscaped outdoor area featuring a winding path, lush greenery, and blooming trees. People are seen enjoying the space, with benches and seating areas integrated into the design. The scene conveys a peaceful, vibrant atmosphere.
A vibrant outdoor space featuring a circular seating area surrounded by greenery. People of various ages are gathered, some sitting on benches, others walking or standing. The scene includes trees, plants, and a bright blue sky, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.
A black and white photograph of a woman, a boy, and a man standing together outdoors. The woman is wearing a suit jacket and has shoulder-length hair. The boy, dressed in a suit with a patterned tie, stands between the two adults. The man, wearing a suit and a wide-brimmed hat, stands on the right. They are posed in front of a bush with a grassy area in the background.

Honoring a Significant Yet Historically Overlooked Milestone for Gallaudet University and the World

Gallaudet University takes great pride in honoring the legacy, courage, and vision of Louise B. Miller. Her actions in the lawsuit Miller v. D.C. Board of Education trailblazed a path for educational justice, setting the precedent for Brown v. Board of Education.

Miller's Story

In 1952, Louise B. Miller, a Washington, D.C. mother of four children — three deaf sons and one hearing daughter — reached the end of her tolerance for the city’s biased regulations that forced parents like her to send their Black Deaf children away from the District of Columbia — at their own expense — to receive an education.

The injustice of sending their children great distances for an education, combined with the moral outrage and insult to human dignity that parents of Black Deaf children experienced, led Ms. Miller to initiate the process of challenging a law that was an affront to the core of democracy. She filed suit in federal court against the D.C. Board of Education on behalf of her Black Deaf son, Kenneth, and other Black Deaf children who were denied admission to Kendall School, with the aim of ending segregation and having their Black Deaf children educated within the District.

On July 3, 1952, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in their favor in Miller v. Board of Education of District of Columbia, stating that African Americans could not be sent outside a state or district to obtain the same education that white students could have within the state or district. This ruling led to the construction of Kendall School Division II at Gallaudet in 1953. Miller is thought to be a precursor to the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, in which the Justices decided unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional.

A black and white photograph of a woman standing casually, wearing a tailored suit with a white shirt and a pocket square. She has her hair styled back and appears thoughtful, with a slight smile, against a blurred background.

1952

Louise B. Miller, the mother of a deaf child, and other parents file a class action suit against the Washington, D.C. Board of Education for the right of Black Deaf children, including Mrs. Miller’s son, Kenneth, to attend the Kendall School for the Deaf on the campus of Gallaudet College.
A black and white photograph of a woman, a boy, and a man standing together outdoors. The woman is wearing a suit jacket and has shoulder-length hair. The boy, dressed in a suit with a patterned tie, stands between the two adults. The man, wearing a suit and a wide-brimmed hat, stands on the right. They are posed in front of a bush with a grassy area in the background.
A scenic view of a monument reflecting in a water feature, with a rainbow visible in the sky. The scene is set against a backdrop of clouds and trees, with people walking along a path in the foreground.

July 3, 1953

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rule in their favor in Miller v. Board of Education of District of Columbia, stating that African Americans could not be sent outside a state or district to obtain the same education that white students could have within the state or district.

1953

The construction of Kendall School Division II at Gallaudet began and created a space for 23 Black students and four teachers. This was also the year of Ms. Miller’s passing.
Aerial view of a mid-20th century brick apartment complex, featuring two connected buildings arranged in a U-shape around a grassy courtyard. Sidewalks lead to entrances, and there are a few trees in the background. The image is in black and white.
A grand building with large columns and a stepped entrance, illuminated against a dramatic sky filled with clouds. The architecture reflects classical design, suggesting a sense of importance and authority.

1954

Miller v. Board of Education of District of Columbia is thought to be a precursor to the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, in which the Justices decided unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional.

2007

A plaque recognizing Louise Miller’s efforts is installed in front of the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University.

A bronze plaque mounted on a brick wall, featuring text that likely commemorates a historical event or person, with a simple design and surrounding brickwork in light and dark colors.
A person with long hair styled in braids, wearing a black t-shirt with the words "CENTER FOR BLACK" and a red blazer, is expressing themselves with a hand gesture. The background features a display with text and images, as well as sculptures of hands.

2020

The Center for Black Deaf Studies hosts a series of webinars about the memorial and interviews with members of the Miller family.

2021

Gallaudet University takes great pride in honoring the legacy, courage, and vision of Louise B. Miller and awards her the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, and presenting her degree to her children, Kenneth, Carol, Gerald, and Justin.
A group of five individuals stands outdoors in front of a building, wearing masks. One person is holding a framed certificate or award, while another, dressed in academic regalia, appears to be presenting or acknowledging the group. The setting suggests a formal recognition or celebration.
Four individuals stand outdoors, with trees and a building in the background. Two men on the left and right are making hand gestures, while a woman in the center holds a framed document. The man next to her is wearing a suit and appears to be speaking or gesturing. All four are smiling, suggesting a celebratory atmosphere.

2021

The memorial is officially named Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children.

Our Future

A lush, green garden scene featuring various trees and plants. People are scattered throughout the area, engaging in conversation and relaxation. There are modern seating arrangements, and a light mist adds a serene atmosphere to the space.
A vibrant outdoor space with trees and flowering plants, featuring people walking and enjoying the area. The scene is illuminated by sunlight, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. There are pathways made of stone or tiles, and some individuals are engaged in activities like cleaning or socializing.

These images are renderings showing how the Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children will look, with your support.

Renderings courtesy of MASS Design Group.

A black and white photograph of a young woman with dark hair styled in soft waves, smiling softly while standing in front of a bush. She is wearing a blazer and appears to be outdoors, with trees and grass visible in the background.

1852

Louise B. Miller, the mother of a deaf child, and other parents file a class action suit against the Washington, D.C. Board of Education for the right of Black Deaf children, including Mrs. Miller’s son, Kenneth, to attend the Kendall School for the Deaf on the campus of Gallaudet College.

July 3, 1953

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rule in their favor in Miller v. Board of Education of District of Columbia, stating that African Americans could not be sent outside a state or district to obtain the same education that white students could have within the state or district.

1953

The construction of Kendall School Division II at Gallaudet began and created a space for 23 Black students and four teachers. This was also the year of Ms. Miller’s passing.
A close-up view of vibrant yellow and purple tulips in the foreground, with a modern building featuring large windows and a gray exterior in the background. The building's name is partially visible on the wall.

1954

The construction of Kendall School Division II at Gallaudet began and created a space for 23 Black students and four teachers. This was also the year of Ms. Miller’s passing.

2007

The construction of Kendall School Division II at Gallaudet began and created a space for 23 Black students and four teachers. This was also the year of Ms. Miller’s passing.

2020

The Center for Black Deaf Studies hosts a series of webinars about the memorial and interviews with members of the Miller family.
A close-up view of vibrant yellow and purple tulips in the foreground, with a modern building featuring large windows and a gray exterior in the background. The building's name is partially visible on the wall.
Gallaudet University takes great pride in honoring the legacy, courage, and vision of Louise B. Miller and awards her the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, and presenting her degree to her children, Kenneth, Carol, Gerald, and Justin.

2021

The memorial is officially named Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children.

Stay Informed

Meet the Millers: Awareness

CBDS Miller Series Part Two: Freedom

Bring the Memorial to Life

Your contribution today creates a unique place of unification through the memorial’s four main themes: awareness, freedom, remembrance, and healing. Ultimately, the memorial, gardens, and the gathering spaces will embody the legacy and the future of Black Deaf communities.