On January 24, 2018 Kentucky State University took a huge step - it was the first day of their new American Sign Language 1 class. Yes, KSU has offered ASL in the past, but this time is different. The adjunct professor is Black Deaf.
You may ask, why is this such a big deal? Deaf individuals teach ASL as a foreign language at colleges and universities across the country. And yes, there are Black Deaf professors teaching ASL throughout the U.S. However, KSU is an HBCU - a Historically Black College and University. I know there are some HBCUs offering ASL classes, but how many have a Black Deaf professor teaching those classes? That is definitely something to look into.
Need
Earlier this school year, KSU President Dr. Christopher Brown stated at a faculty meeting that he would love to see ASL offered on campus. The School of Education chair Dr. JoAnne Rainey and KSU Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Ron Chi jumped at the idea - with a tad bit of help from me (wink). It was very clear to us that in order for this course to be at the same caliber as other university ASL classes, it must be taught by a native signer with the pedagogy and experience to teach. Additionally, to fully represent what an HBCU is all about, the professor must be Black.
After searching high and low, we found an amazing Black Deaf professor who has a wealth of experience teaching at various universities but never at an HBCU. Finding the right person was not an easy task. As our new professor so eloquently explained, just because someone is an expert in computers does not mean he has the skills to teach someone how to use a computer. It takes strategy and pedagogy to be able to teach someone. The same is true with ASL; just because one is Deaf and is a fluent signer does not mean they know how to teach ASL to others.
Vision
You may ask, why is this such a big deal? Deaf individuals teach ASL as a foreign language at colleges and universities across the country. And yes, there are Black Deaf professors teaching ASL throughout the U.S. However, KSU is an HBCU - a Historically Black College and University. I know there are some HBCUs offering ASL classes, but how many have a Black Deaf professor teaching those classes? That is definitely something to look into.
Need
Earlier this school year, KSU President Dr. Christopher Brown stated at a faculty meeting that he would love to see ASL offered on campus. The School of Education chair Dr. JoAnne Rainey and KSU Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Ron Chi jumped at the idea - with a tad bit of help from me (wink). It was very clear to us that in order for this course to be at the same caliber as other university ASL classes, it must be taught by a native signer with the pedagogy and experience to teach. Additionally, to fully represent what an HBCU is all about, the professor must be Black.
After searching high and low, we found an amazing Black Deaf professor who has a wealth of experience teaching at various universities but never at an HBCU. Finding the right person was not an easy task. As our new professor so eloquently explained, just because someone is an expert in computers does not mean he has the skills to teach someone how to use a computer. It takes strategy and pedagogy to be able to teach someone. The same is true with ASL; just because one is Deaf and is a fluent signer does not mean they know how to teach ASL to others.
Vision
Founded in 1886, part of KSU’s vision is to “create an environment where:
- Diversity is valued, understood and respected.
- Diverse, motivated and talented students, staff and faculty are actively recruited and retained”
“We strive to create an environment that values the unique backgrounds, perspectives and talents of all our students and provide them with the academic, leadership and social tools to help them grow as responsible, knowledgeable and creative global citizens.”
Dr. Rainey, Dr. Chi and I recognize that in KY (and nationally), there is a lack of People of Color in professions that work with the Deaf community (ex. Teachers of the Deaf, Interpreters, Therapists, Rehab Counselors, Nurses, Police Officers, etc). KSU, as an HBCU, has the unique opportunity to be the leader in Higher Education that focuses on increasing the number of Black professionals in these fields. In addition, KSU has the opportunity to develop world class education for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing students at an HBCU.
Offering ASL by a Black Deaf professor this spring is the first step towards creating programs and building relationships with other universities, agencies, business, and industry. KSU is on the trajectory to design courses and programs that increase the number of People of Color working with the Deaf community.
We welcome members of the Black Deaf community who are interested in being a part of this work.
