Just like spoken languages, sign languages have dialects. Black ASL is the unique dialect of American Sign Language (ASL) that developed within historically segregated African American Deaf communities. Largely unknown to outsiders, Black ASL has become a symbol of solidarity and a vital part of identity within the Black Deaf community.

In honor of Black History Month, MOPD will be hosting a virtual screening of Signing Black in America, the first documentary about Black ASL and part of the Talking Black in America project. The event will feature an introduction by Professor Joseph Hill, one of the scholars featured in the film, recorded specifically for this screening, and there will be an opportunity for discussion following the film.

The run time of the film is 27 minutes.  The full event will be approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

ASL interpreting, CART services and Audio Description will be provided.

If additional accommodations are needed, please contact Tony Wooden: rwooden@mopd.nyc.gov or Noel Haight: nhaight@mopd.nyc.gov.  You can contact us via videophone

: (646) 396-5830. The deadline to request additional accommodations is Thursday, February 24 at noon.Register at: Webinar Registration - Zoom