The chronicle of the NBDA Senior Citizens Summit that took place is as follows:
The NBDA Black Deaf Seniors Summit was established as a significant event during the NBDA Conference, capturing the stories and experiences of the black deaf community senior citizens.
This remarkable journey began in 2011 Orlando, Florida. Led by the inspiring Thomas Samuel.
Following this, a reunion Summit was held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 2014, once again under Samuel’s guidance.
In 2015 the seniors gathered once again at a site in Louisville, Kentucky, where seniors gathered to share wisdom
The summit continued in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2017, and then moved to Oakland, California, in 2019. Each location serving as a backdrop for education, cultural engagement and reflection.
The event then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2016, now led by the esteemed Dr. Elizabeth Moore.
San Antonio, Texas, hosted the reunion in 2018, maintaining the leadership of Dr. Moore.
Unfortunately, plans for the 2020 reunion in Chicago, Illinois, were canceled due to the COVID pandemic, despite the efforts of Martina Moore Reid and her committee.
The following awardees were given awards:
Throughout these gatherings, numerous outstanding individuals were honored for their contributions. The inaugural 2015 Charles “Chuck” Williams Award was presented to Willie Jenkins from Montgomery, Alabama, during the conference luncheon, alongside the 2015 Outstanding Senior Citizen Award given to Dorthalia Owens from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The 2016 Distinguished Leadership Award celebrated Thomas Samuel from New York, while the Appreciation of Service Award was bestowed upon Jerry and Jeanette Webster of Maryland.
In 2017, the Outstanding Senior Citizen Award went to Dorothy Nelson of Memphis, Tennessee, while the Charles “Chuck” Williams Award was awarded to Thomas Samuel once more. The 2019 Outstanding Senior Citizen Award was given to Robert Jones from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, alongside the Charles Williams Award for Emmie Brown from New Orleans, Louisiana.
The NBDA Black Deaf Seniors Summit committee expressed gratitude to the advocates who delivered inspiring keynote speeches at the NBDA Senior Citizens luncheons. Dr. Glenn Anderson stirred the hearts of attendees in 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky, while Dr. Ernest Hairston uplifted spirits in 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. Finally, Dr. Elizabeth Moore shared her wisdom in 2019 in Oakland, California.
Following the Covid pandemic the Senior Summit resumed in Little Rock Arkansas October 2024, under the leadership of Pam Baldwin, Robyn Miller, and Sandra Gillespie.
The seniors had an opportunity to visit the site of Little Rock High School that played a central part in the civil rights movement. Later they visited the Clinton Presidential Library and the once segregated Arkansas School for the Deaf. The seniors also had a chance to participate in several workshops related to health and fall prevention. Evon Black from Gallaudet Black Deaf Studies center gave an awe inspiring presentation on honoring the journey of our black deaf seniors. The oldest participants were 89 years old! Glenn Wall Steward from Detroit and LaRhonda Stimage Jackson of Little Rock served as excellent MCs. A performance was also given by Brandy Mimms a DeafBlind dancer.
Through these events and recognitions, the NBDA community is not only honoring and meeting the needs of our elders but also recognizing the intersectionality of deaf culture and black culture and the role it has played in our society. By acknowledging this intersectionality we pave the way for future generations to thrive.