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Signing Black in America

27 minutes 19 seconds

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Black man glances to the side and sits with his left palm held up vertically and his right pointer finger touching it. Rows of desks and chairs are in background.

This is the first documentary about Black ASL: the unique dialect of American Sign Language (ASL) that developed within historically segregated African American Deaf communities. Black ASL today conveys an identity and sense of belonging that mirrors spoken language varieties of the African American hearing community. The program highlights the different uses of space, hand use, directional movement, and facial expression, which are ways that Black ASL distinguishes itself as a vibrant dialect of American Sign Language. The African American Deaf community is now embracing their unique variety as a symbol of solidarity and a vital part of their identity.

Media Details

Runtime: 27 minutes 19 seconds

Topic: Deaf Life, History
Subtopic: African-Americans, Deaf - General, Deaf Culture
Grade/Interest Level: 6 - 12
Standards:

Release Year: 2021
Producer/Distributor: Films Media Group
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Black and white image with closeup of a sign that reads, "Civil Rights Plus Full Employment." Crowd of people and protest signs fill the background.

A Black woman wearing a nurse's uniform puts her arm around a Black boy, both smile at the camera.

Black and white photo of Black and White people in a coffee shop, some sitting in chairs and others standing at a lunch counter in the background. Caption. Male as narrator. The idea of the freedom rides was radical.

Color illustration of a silhouette behind a curtain overlooking boats on a lake in the distance. Title card reads, "A Spy Called James."

Color illustration of Ananse. A colorful umbrella shields him from the sun. Caption. All the stories belonged to Nyame, the Sky God.

Black and white photo of Bryant's Grocery and Meat Market in between 2 Coca Cola Classic signs. Caption. A 14-year-old black boy from Chicago.

Black and white frame of A. Philip Randolph, a civil-rights activist. Caption. Of a mighty corporation such as the Pullman Company was.

Black and white image of Jackie Robinson wearing his Dodgers jersey and sliding on one side towards a base, baseball hat falling to the ground.

Senior Black man wearing glasses, a teal-colored African scarf and head wrap, and a dark suit jacket stands next to an African wall hanging and speaks towards camera.

Faces of influential Black Americans dispersed across frame. February calendar page and map of the U, S in background. Caption. To focus on and learn more about black culture.

Viewer Comments

Cynthia S. (Edgewater, FL)

February 8th, 2023 at 10:48 AM

Signing Black in America gives a history and perspective that many students and adults have never thought of. The conversations that ensue after watching this are so rich and moving. I recommend this material be viewed by everyone. It is such an enriching piece of media and Black Deaf history.