Black History Month Spotlight: Black Deaf Youth

Renca: This month is Black History Month. We want to spotlight out Black Deaf youth in our Deaf community. We took the opportunity to chat with two people who shared their thoughts, dreams, and passions. We will show you our conversation.

Renca: Hello! Happy to have you here with me today! I want you to go ahead and tell me your name and where you are from.

Julian: My name is Julian Robinson and I am from Washington state.

Akeisha: My name is Akeisha and I am from Maryland.

Renca: So, tell me what are you involved with now? Like a club or sports or organization?

Julian: I am in a program for basketball- shoot 360.

Renca: Oh! What is that? 360? Like what is it?

Julian: It’s a program that trains people for playing basketball.

Renca: Cool! So you yourself like to play the sport?

Julian: Yep!

Renca: What is your position for basketball?

Julian: Point Guard

Renca: Leading, passing the ball, and controlling the game.

Akeisha: I am not involved with anything this year because of COVID.

Renca: Yeah, ok so if next year things go well, what would you like to be involved with?

Akeisha: Sports and plays.

Renca: What kind of sports?

Akeisha: Volleyball and basketball

Renca: Basketball, what position?

Akeisha: All, I would not mind playing all.

Renca: Cool! Related to acting, you like acting, right?

Akeisha: Yes, it is more fun. You can change your moods, change to a different character, etc. I think it’s cool.

Renca: Related to acting, I saw you.

Akeisha: My role was Jolla. That short film talks about Kwanzaa. It educates people about Kwanzaa and how important it is to Black people and their culture.

Renca: Related to social media, you have any favorite accounts and love their postings?

Julian: Yeah, Shaheem Sanchez. He’s a good dancer.

ID: Video of Shaheem dancing in front of a house. The text rads “Deaf Choreographer duet?”

Julian: What I love about him is how he shows his dance skills. I love when he says something that supports the Deaf community.

Renca: Can you dance yourself?

Julian: Oh no! I am bad at it.

Renca: You can learn! Like Shaheem!

Julian: I can!

Renca: Yeah, some dance moves I cannot even do myself! I love dancing myself, but some moves I am like oh wow! He is a skilled dancer. Not too late for you if you want to become a dancer! Ok so now related with your dreams for the future, what would you like to do?

Julian: I really want to travel the world. I want to see the world.

Renca: What part of the world comes first in mind you want to see?

Julian: Jamaica.

Renca: Why?

Julian: Beautiful place and warm!

Akeisha: I want to be on a media team. I want to act, dance, film, and all that. Media team.

Renca: You can call yourself a multi-talented woman who can do it all. You can film, you can act, you can dance. That’s awesome. Nice skills to have. You have had experience with filming?

Akeisha: Yes I have. When I was in middle school, I filmed a whole film. I edited it myself.

Renca: Perhaps someday in the future, you could be a news reporter?

Akeisha: Sure!

Renca: Curious, who is your role model?

Akeisha: April Jackson. She’s my mom. I look up to my mom.

She has done a lot. She invested to the community even if she is a single mother, has 2 kids, and has 5 jobs. She invested so much. That is something that inspires me and makes me believe I can do the same. Her investment and her passion.

Julian: Martin Luther King, Jr.

He is an amazing man. He is very persistent. He pushed through for his future, for his children, and not for himself. That is an amazing person. His quote: If I can’t fly..I can walk..no I mean run.. If I can’t run then I can walk. If I can’t walk then I can crawl. If I can’t crawl then I can …something. I forgot, but that is a really good thought. It is about being persistent. If you cant.. just keep going.

Renca: Yes, right. Do not give up. Keep going. If you cant do one of these, just keep pushing through. Ok now, related to this month’s Black History month, in your opinion and perspective, what do you want to share with the Deaf community- something you want us to know about this month? In your perspective.

Akeisha: More postings, exposure about more people, be knowledgeable, and do your research on Black History.

Julian: I want deaf people to recognize that Black History Month is not only knowing a person, but know in-depth information, what did this person do, why did this person do that, etc. Look into what the person wants to do in the future, do an in-depth search of knowing this person. I always want people to know I am proud being Black no matter what. I will always be proud I’m Black.

Renca: I want to thank Julian and Akeisha for sharing. Our deaf youth is important. They are our future generation. Something for us to remember that Black History Month is not just one month, but every day of the year.