NBDA is a fairly young organization, having started in the early to mid-80s. It had its genesis in earlier conferences of deaf black people, and at a 1982 conference there was an agreement to form a national organization for black deaf Americans.
The NBDA, which has chapters nationwide:
- Holds annual conferences.
- Selects a deaf African American woman to be Miss Black Deaf America.
- Works to increase awareness of individuals in the deaf African American community.
- Provides awards/scholarships through some chapters. For example, the DC area chapter gives an Iva Johnson award to outstanding deaf black high school students.
Related About.com site: African History
