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This webinar of Black Deaf and Hearing Interpreter panelist delves into the critical importance of recognizing and honoring the spaces belonging to Black Deaf and/or Black Interpreter communities, particularly in relation to language use, sign choice, and cultural expression. The panelist will explore the dynamics of power, privilege, cultural appropriation, and the complexities of communication within Black Deaf/Interpreter spaces especially on social media platforms.

Participants will gain valuable insights into the historical and cultural significance of language use and/or sign choice use addressed in Black social spaces, and learn how to engage in meaningful conversations that respect boundaries and elevate authentic Black Deaf voices. Through analogies and real-life examples, we will discuss the impact of misinterpretation and stereotype, and how these issues affect the representation of Black culture in various interpretive contexts.

By the end of this interactive panelist webinar, participants will be equipped with tools and strategies to foster respectful environments on social media platforms, encourage ethical language practices, and actively support the voices of Black Deaf individuals and/or Black interpreting communities. Join us in shaping a more respectful and understanding dialogue around cultural integrity!

Target Audience: Working Interpreters and/or Deaf Professionals

Educational Objectives:

1. Participants will gain awareness of the historical and cultural importance of language use within Black Deaf and Hearing Interpreter communities, particularly regarding the use of specific terms and expressions.

2. Participants will learn how privilege and power influences language use and cultural appropriation, fostering a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in discussions about racial and cultural identities.

3. Participants will be equipped with strategies to engage in respectful conversations about language, culture, and identity, emphasizing the importance of active listening and recognition of space boundaries.

4. Participants will develop the ability to identify and challenge negative stereotypes related to Black communication styles, fostering a more inclusive and accurate understanding of diverse expressive forms.

5. Participants will learn how to advocate for ethical language practices and anti-racist approaches in their personal and professional interactions, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.

6. Participants at the end of the panelist discussions will develop a list of strategies for promoting the importance of amplifying and honoring Black Deaf voices, particularly in discussions about language use, , and cultural representation, encouraging attendees to support and uplift Black Deaf communities proactively.

Diversity Academy for Interpreters is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This PPO Professional Studies webinar is offered for 0.2 PS CEUs at the Little/None Content Knowledge Level.

Diversity Academy promotes and supports policies of non-discrimination and an environment that is mutually respectful and free from bias. 

Requests for accommodations must be submitted to [email protected]. 

Cancellation Policy: 

In the event that this webinar has to be canceled, we will notify you within 48 hours. We will provide an alternative presentation. 

Tar Burt was born in Michigan. In 2010, he moved to Austin, Texas. He has been involved with many Deaf communities including service on the board for some non-profit organizations. Tar holds the title as first Black Deaf vlogger in Youtube since 2006 and still vlogging since then. Tar believes in fighting to improve the quality of life in Deaf communities including BIPOC, LGBTIQA+, Women, many others. Tar is also founder of Black Deaf Center

Sarah Houston has served as a professional Sign Language Interpreter for over 18 years. Mother, Father Deaf (CODA) and mom to a Deaf teenage boy. Sarah is serving her 3rd Term on the LARA Board of Interpreters, currently serving as Vice President. She also serves as President of CODA Midwest.

Chante Frazier has over 20 years of professional interpreting experience in a variety of settings.  She graduated from the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Catonsville’s Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP) and Towson University's Deaf Studies program concurrently in 2005.  She has held the National Interpreter Certification (NIC) from the Registry of Interpreters for the
Deaf (RID) since 2008. Ms. Frazier currently works as a freelance interpreter in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Throughout her career, she has not only continuously sought professional development opportunities, but has also looked for opportunities to give back to the profession. She served a two-year term on the board of the Potomac Chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (PCRID) as Member at Large for Maryland from 2008-2010.  She has also taught a host of workshops on interpreting and financial topics, and served as an adjunct instructor for CCBC's IPP in a full circle moment.  Ms. Frazier continues to serve as a Mentor for aspiring interpreters.

Joseph (LJ) Williams, who is originally from Detroit MI, is Deaf Black, And person who is also Blind, and has CP. He currently has worked in Michigan for several years as a Deaf Interpreter and Mentor in various school settings for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Most recently, he has worked as a Case Manager for Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers in the Orlando Florida area.  His professional work and personal experience as a Deaf And person (Deafblind and CP) have given him access to working as a Deaf interpreter and sharing his lived experiences of using interpreters and for addressing concerns that specifically come up from the “users point of view” for interpreters to consider when providing access. Currently, LJ lives in Utah, and when not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family.