Black Deaf Studies Matter, Black Africana Studies Matter

Dr. Jowers-Barber reflects on her personal and scholarly journey as a historian and stepmother to a Black Deaf daughter. She emphasizes the need to document, centralize, and celebrate Black Deaf history through initiatives like the Center for Black Deaf Studies. Drawing connections between broader Black Studies and the lived experiences of Black Deaf individuals, she highlights the importance of inclusive scholarship, oral histories, and representation. Her advocacy work bridges communities and institutions, advancing awareness and access. Through storytelling and activism, she calls for greater visibility, documentation, and understanding of Black Deaf lives in American historical narratives.