Global VRS regularly recognizes those who are deaf and hard-of-hearing who have done amazing things in their lives.
As part of Black History Month, here is a short list of some who have accomplished great and many things:
Actress: Michelle Banks
Actress Michelle Banks, a Deaf African American native of Washington D.C. has appeared in films such as Compensation, Girlfriends, See What I’m Saying, Soul Food and Strong Medicine. Michelle has also produced performances and played key roles in several stage plays, many of which served to recognize the Deaf African American community!
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2694400010.html
Performer: C.J. Jones
Performer C. J. Jones is an entertainer known on among the international Deaf Community! Jones’ one-man performances have drawn comedy lovers in performances all over the world. He has been featured in award winning performances and has been sought for his comedic yet motivational and inspirational speaking across the U.S.
Rapper: Prinz-D
Darius McCall, or better known as Prinz-D, is the first Deaf African American hip-hop artist to have his music published and copy written! But that’s not all, Prinz-D received education in theatre and later performed at Colonial Players of Annapolis and was featured in episodes of the Discovery Channel’s Nightmare Next Door.
NFL Football Player: Derrick Coleman
Derrick Coleman, player for the Seattle Seahawks, is a prominent and widely known Deaf NFL player. Coleman is culturally hearing, but on numerous occasions has spoke out on behalf of the Deaf community, and during his time at UCLA, advocated for the provision of American Sign Language classes!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derrick_Coleman_%28American_football%29
Lawyer: Claudia Gordon, Esq.
Claudia Gordon is not only the first Deaf Black woman in the U.S. to have become an attorney, but in 2013 she was appointed by the White House as the Associate Director for the Disability Community via the Office of Public Engagement. Gordon’s impressive career in law has supported the Deaf community, amongst others, through her direct work with the Dept. of Homeland Security, Office of Federal Contracts, and through the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Gordon has received countless educational, humanitarian, professional and community awards for her hard work and dedication.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudia_L._Gordon
Scholar: Dr. Glenn B. Anderson – PhD
In 1982, Dr. Anderson was the first Deaf African American to a Ph.D. Dr. Anderson dedicated much of his career to the Deaf and African American communities, and has long been recognized for his leadership and commitment to education. Dr. Anderson was one of the first Deaf individuals to serve on the Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University; a position he held for 12 years. As a result of his immeasurable influence, Dr. Glenn Anderson has been recognized by the National Black Deaf Advocates, the Gallaudet University Athletic Hall of Fame, National Council of Disability, and the National Hall of Fame for Persons with Disabilities to name a few.
http://www.nbda.org/spotlight/dr.-glenn-b.-anderson
