Continuing our celebration of Black History Month, ICS is highlighting stories for both our adult and child readers. Representation of characters that children can identify with is crucial for fostering a confident self-image.
For adults, understanding the history of Black Deaf culture is essential for educating ourselves on this intersection of identities and advocating for a brighter future.
Looking for more reading recommendations?
Explore our blog featuring biographies about Black Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals.
Nonfiction Books about Black Deaf America
1. Black and Deaf in America by Ernest Hairston and Linwood Smith
This book explores the intersectionality of being Black Deaf, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals who belong to both minority groups. Authored by individuals who share this unique identity, the book sheds light on the pervasive prejudice and discrimination experienced by Black Deaf individuals. It critiques inadequate educational systems and the lack of role models, aiming to foster understanding and advocate for change.
2. The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL: Its History and Structure by Carolyn McCatskill, Ceil Lucas, Robert Bayley, and Joseph Christopher Hill
This book presents the first empirical study on Black American Sign Language (BASL), a distinct form of sign language that has been recognized anecdotally for years. The contributors considered three questions in their study. First, what was the sociohistorical reality that made a separate variety of ASL possible? Second, what are the features of the variety of ASL that people call Black ASL? Third, can the same kind of unique features that have been identified in African American English be identified in Black ASL?
3. The Segregated Georgia School for the Deaf: 1882 – 1975 by Ron Knorr and Clemmie Whatley
This book chronicles the neglected history of educational opportunities for Black Deaf children in the American South following the Civil War. The authors detail the challenges faced by these students, from delayed educational efforts to outright denials by southern legislatures. Through firsthand accounts and historical narratives, the book traces the tumultuous journey of the segregated school from the time of the Jim Crow South through the Progressive Era.
4. Learn Black American Sign Language: A History and Complete Beginner’s Guide with Over 200 Words and Phrases By Franklin R. Jones Jr.
Learn Black American Sign Language highlights the often-overlooked history and living culture of Black ASL, centering Black Deaf voices that were long pushed aside by a white-centered narrative of Deaf history. The book explores the origins of BASL in school segregation, its evolution within Black Deaf communities, and its continued influence today, including connections to African American Vernacular English (AAVE). It features over 200 BASL signs with full-color photos, along with regional variations and Home signs that emerged when formal BASL education was denied. Grounded in both history and modern cultural visibility, this book offers an introduction to BASL and its significance.
Children’s Books Featuring Black Deaf Characters
1. My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do by Tanesha Ausby
This children’s book follows the story of a young Black Deaf girl and her hearing friend as they challenge misconceptions about deafness. Through their adventures, the book aims to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing communities, fostering empathy and understanding. It also addresses issues of bullying and encourages readers to learn sign language, promoting diversity and inclusion. This book was written by a CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult).
2. Swishing by Victorica Monroe and illustrated by Shawn Richardson
This book follows Victorica’s journey of identifying as DeafBlind, facing prejudice, and playing basketball. This children’s book explores important topics, such as diversity, acceptance, and discovering identities. This book was written by a Black DeafBlind author.
3. The Quest for the Cockle Implant by Maya Wasserman and illustrated by Lucy Rogers
This children’s book was written by Maya Wasserman, a Black Deaf author who penned the story at the age of nine. Illustrated by Lucy Rogers, also Deaf, the book follows a Deaf mermaid named Angel who embarks on an underwater adventure with her sister and friend to retrieve her lost “cockle” implant. The story won first prize in a competition held by the National Deaf Children’s Society!
4. Zola Gets Hearing Aids by Narita Snead and illustrated by Dawn Campbell
This children’s book follows Zola, a young girl navigating hearing loss and the emotions that come with a doctor’s visit that could change how she hears and how she’s seen by others. As Zola faces fears about wearing hearing aids, the story explores worries about acceptance, friendship, and belonging at school. This book was written by an author who has lived with hearing loss her entire life, inspired by a desire to help children feel seen, accepted, and proud of who they are.
5. The Adventures of Billie BAHA and her Super HEARo Friends by Jessica Jordan-Hogan and illustrated by Jacqui C. Smith
This book follows Billie, a four-year-old who is hard of hearing and wears a BAHA due to Microtia. Through a superhero-inspired story, readers are introduced to a variety of hearing technologies including BAHAs, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and non-device communication. while emphasizing that no two experiences of hearing are the same. Centered on kindness and acceptance, while emphasizing that no two experiences of hearing are the same.
The Inclusive Team encourages more Black Deaf authors to come forward with powerful stories like the ones shared in this blog.
These narratives remind us how important it is to learn from our history and inspire our future generations to embrace and celebrate every unique intersection within the Black community.
