By
Ernest E. Garrett III

Cory L. Parker is originally from Aurora, Illinois. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Deafness Rehabilitation. Currently, he resides in Asheville, NC, where he enjoys employment with the State of North Carolina, Division of Services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing as a Deaf Services Specialist.
Cory initially became involved with NBDA in 1999 when he attended their conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He previously has served as a chapter representative for Chicagoland BDA, is the New Chapter Ambassador for NBDA, and is a member of the North Carolina BDA. This is his second term as secretary.

Ernest: When did you first hear of NBDA and what inspired you to become involved?

Cory: I heard about NBDA in 1997 from a friend during my college years at Northern Illinois University. The first conference that I attended was in Montego Bay, Jamaica and I was thrilled to find myself surrounded by those who attended. I had lunch with Thomas Samuels who was the Vice-President at that time and I told him I would love to become involved in NBDA as a leader someday. He encouraged me to continue my involvement. 

Ernest: Can you share with us about your involvement with NBDA at both the local and national levels?

Cory: At the local level, I was invited to be a part of Chicagoland BDA by Crystal Kelly-Schwartz and her mother Wanda Kelly in 2000. Chicagoland BDA at the time was seeking new board members to bring their chapter alive again. Thus, the “Reconstruction of CLBDA” was born and I served on the board as a Chapter Representative for 4 years. In 2004, I moved to Asheville, NC for a new job, thereby transferring my membership to the North Carolina BDA chapter who welcomed me warmly. I am currently a member of NCBDA. Nationally, I am the current NBDA Secretary under the administration of Thomas Samuels. I am also the 2007-2009 NBDA Secretary-Elect.
    
Ernest: Why did you decide to run for Secretary of NBDA?

Cory: My interest in NBDA is genuine. I believe NBDA is the place where I can learn and dedicate my community leadership among persons who are Black and Deaf. I have attended Board Midterm and General NBDA meetings and never missed since 2001. As NBDA Secretary, I do more than just record and distribute the minutes. In my term 2005-2007, I have administered NBDA New Chapter Development, assisting Alabama BDA in becoming the newest chapter of NBDA; assisting Jackson, Mississippi in reactivating their chapter along with overseeing the 2007 NBDA Pageant led by Florence Pratt. It is an honor and privilege to serve as NBDA Secretary.

Ernest: What plans do you have for executing your role as NBDA Secretary over the next two years?

Cory: I would like to keep Ernest Garrett III with me to assist with the recording of the minutes during the meetings. He is a remarkable team player and our board has found him to be an asset.

Ernest: How do you plan to balance your responsibilities as NBDA Secretary with your other personal and professional responsibilities?

Cory: Balancing my responsibilities as NBDA Secretary with my other personal and professional obligations is something that comes with accepting responsibility as a community leader. We all have our lives and the things that come up as we live it. I do my best to incorporate balance in every commitment that I take on.

Ernest: What do you believe are the most important issues that NBDA should focus on and why?

Cory: I believe NBDA will emerge in new directions with its newly elected officers. This new direction will filter out fresh ideas, strategies, and ultimately, a new face for National Black Deaf Advocates. I am very excited to be a part of it all.

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