2004 NBDA Conference
A Success in Philadelphia, The Place That Loves You Back
by Vikki Washington, with assistance from Claudia
Gordon, Jubil Khan, and Betty Henderson
Shining Stars Come Out at Night
Everyone was dressed to the 'nines' at the formal Banquet on Saturday
evening (August 7). It was a homecoming for Elizabeth Creamer, Keynote
speaker, as she was responsible for the establishment of PCBDA.
She spoke of her advocacy efforts to ensure that the immediate
deaf relatives of soldiers currently active in the military receive
special communication accommodations. Creamer shared her personal
experiences of advocating on this issue, which resulted in contacting
Congressman Frank Wolf, the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.
Creamer has now taken it upon herself to explain the availability
of special accommodations for deaf people and their hearing relatives
in the services.
Another message she emphasized during the keynote presentation
was the
importance of everyone exercising their voting rights in the upcoming
elections. "It is important for all citizens to take a serious
look at our current political situation," Creamer stressed.
Award presentations (see box at the right) also took place during
the evening. Entertainment included an African dance group. Everyone
had a good time tearing up the dance floor with new dance beats
as well as oldies-but-goodies music.
Plenty of Philadelphia's brotherly love and sisterly affection
were shown by the Conference attendees during the week. Make plans
to attend the 2005 NBDA Conference down in sunny Orlando, Florida!
All photos are courtesy of Thomas Samuels and Pamela Baldwin.
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