Dear Friends,

National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA), the oldest and largest consumer organization of minority Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in the United States, invites you to help make today's vision tomorrow's reality by sponsoring one or more programs during its 2007 Conference. Please find attached a brief description of Conference sponsorship opportunities.


Background
Twenty five years ago, a handful of Black Deaf Americans came together to share concerns of social injustice and the impact this was having in the daily lives of Black Deaf citizens. Education and employment opportunities were a major concern. They believed that being Deaf and Black should not cause one to be treated with less respect or be denied full access to the American dream. They knew then, as we know now, that the keys to equality and empowering Black Deaf Americans include quality education, exposure to role models, access to vital information, and instilling a sense of pride. Out of these concerns NBDA was born to provide services and support to Black Deaf Americans, their families, friends, and communities; to be a beacon of hope; and to serve as the bridge to full access to the American dream.

Today, NBDA is the oldest and largest consumer organization of minority Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in the United States. That handful of pioneers grew, at its peak, to become 32 Black Deaf Advocates (BDA) chapters across the US and Virgin Islands. However, there remains much work to do. Twenty five years has also shown us that progress, while slow, is attainable through perseverance.


The 2007 Conference
Over the years, NBDA has, through its annual conferences, provided Black Deaf children, youth, adults, seniors, families, and communities a place to interact, network, and learning in a dynamic and barrier-free, environment. We anticipate continuing this tradition during NBDA's Biennial Conference, which will be held in St. Louis, MO from July 3-8, 2007. The Conference, which will mark the 25th Anniversary of the founding of NBDA, will feature programs such as Collegiate Black Deaf Student Leadership Institute, Youth Empowerment Summit, workshops on personal and professional growth, and the Ms. Black Deaf America Pageant. NBDA will also provide an opportunity for business and industry, educators, and service providers to learn about this significant, under-served and hitherto neglected population through a series of presentations, tutorials, and workshops.


An invitation to partnership
We invite you to become a partner in educating and empowering Black Deaf children, youth, adults, seniors, families, and communities. As a sponsor, your organization has an opportunity to reach and influence millions of people who still live in limited hope, pride, knowledge, and lack access to vital products, information, and services. You also have a chance to extend your reach as a good corporate citizen where your help is most needed and its impact will be most felt.


Please take a moment to review the various sponsorship opportunities. You can contact me at 2007conference@nbda.org. Our marketing team will also be on hand to discuss these sponsorship options with you.


Please make all checks payable to "NBDA, Inc." and mail to the attention of:
Jerry Webster, NBDA Conference Treasurer at:
4102 Whitney Court
Bowie, MD 20715-1325

With your help and support, we can make today's visions tomorrow's reality.

Sincerely,

Pamela Lloyd-Ogoke
Conference Chair


Marketing Team:
Deborah Broadus
Curtis Humphries
Ronald Lanier
Reginald Redding, Ph.D