1981 conference photo
*This date celebrates the establishment of the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) in 1982. It is the oldest and largest organization of deaf and hard-of-hearing African Americans in the United States. In the early 1980s, Black deaf leaders were disturbed that deaf and hard-of-hearing African Americans were not sufficiently represented and created NBDA.
They wanted to aid in leadership and policy decision-making activities affecting deaf African Americans. Beginning with two chapters, the NBDA has grown to 30 chapters.
NBDA is a national supporter for thousands of deaf and hard-of-hearing Black people. They’re a non-profit, tax-exempt, consumer organization supported by its members and others interested in furthering the goals of NBDA. Membership includes African American adults who are deaf and hard of hearing, parents of African American children who are deaf or hard of hearing, professionals who work with deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults, and other interested persons.
The NBDA Executive Board serves voluntarily and comprises a majority of deaf and hard-of-hearing advocates. They consist of officers elected during the national conventions and elected representatives from each member chapter. The NBDA Mission: The Mission of the National Black Deaf Advocates, Inc. (NBDA) is to promote the educational, cultural, social, and economic advancement of deaf and hard-of-hearing African Americans.
