Black Deaf Americans: History, Culture, and Education

The University of Oregon’s Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) has an exhibit focusing on Black Deaf Americans.

“Black Deaf people have one of the most unique cultures in the world. The Black Deaf Community is largely shaped by two cultures and communities: Deaf and African-American. Some Black Deaf individuals view themselves as members of both communities. Since both communities are viewed by the larger, predominately hearing and White society as comprising a minority community, Black Deaf persons often experience an even greater loss of recognition, racial discrimination and communication barriers coming from both communities.”

Virginia State School for Colored Deaf and Blind, Newport News, VA
Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind, and Multi-Disabled at Hampton) Administration building (left), Boys’ dormitory (right), C. T. Holtzclaw, architect/builder