Conference Information

Theme: Coming SOON! 📅 TBD 📍 TBD Hotel Richmond, Virginia The National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) celebrating the accomplishments, leadership, and advocacy efforts of individuals and organizations serving the Black Deaf community during its 2027 national conference.

NBDA Awards Program

NBDA recognizes individuals and organizations whose contributions positively impact the Black Deaf community through leadership, advocacy, education, volunteerism, social services, innovation, and community empowerment. The major awards included:

Linwood Smith Humanitarian Award
Andrew Foster Humanitarian Award
Bronze Hands Award
Advocate of the Year Award

Nominations were required to reflect the objectives outlined in the NBDA By-Laws, including:

Leadership and volunteerism
Advocacy and civic responsibility
Educational and economic advancement
Promotion of Black Deaf awareness and culture
Enhancement of living standards for Black Deaf individuals

Distinguished Awards

The Linwood Smith Humanitarian Award

This distinguished award honors an NBDA member who demonstrates exceptional support of NBDA and the Black Deaf community.

Background

Linwood D. Smith was recognized as a humanitarian, poet, educator, advocate, and community activist. Long before NBDA formally existed, he contributed his time, resources, and leadership to advancing Black Deaf advocacy and empowerment. This award recognizes individuals who continue his legacy of:

Advocacy
Leadership
Community involvement
Inspiration and mentorship
Service to Black Deaf communities

The Andrew Foster Humanitarian Award

This award recognizes individuals or organizations whose humanitarian work benefits Deaf communities in the United States or internationally.

Background

Andrew Foster was the first Black graduate of Gallaudet University and a pioneering educator and missionary. He founded numerous schools for Deaf children throughout Africa and fought for equal rights and educational opportunities for Deaf Africans. The award honors those who continue advancing humanitarian efforts for Deaf communities worldwide.

The Bronze Hands Award

The Bronze Hands Award honors a Black Deaf individual who serves as a positive role model through achievements such as:

Advocacy
Grassroots volunteerism
Professional accomplishments
Leadership
Scholarship and excellence
Community service
Innovation
Sportsmanship
Artistic contributions
Religious or political involvement
Social services

Recipients must demonstrate outstanding dedication to both Black and Deaf communities.

The Advocate of the Year Award

This award recognizes unsung heroes within NBDA chapters and membership who make significant contributions to advocacy efforts. The award honors individuals or chapters that strengthen NBDA through:

Advocacy leadership
Community organizing
Service and outreach
Chapter development
Continued commitment to Black Deaf empowerment

Past NBDA Award Recipients

2023 NBDA National Conference

Conference Information

Theme: Reconnecting to Thrive Together: Reconnect, Recharge, Thrive! 📅 August 8–13, 2023 📍 Sheraton Birmingham Hotel 📍 Birmingham The National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) celebrated the accomplishments, leadership, and advocacy efforts of individuals and organizations serving the Black Deaf community during its 2023 national conference. Coming SOON!

2019 NBDA Conference — Oakland

Outstanding Senior Citizen Advocate of the Year Award: Emmie Brown
Charles “Chuck” Williams Award: Robert Jones

2017 NBDA Conference — Baltimore

Andrew Foster Humanitarian Award: Shirley Childress Johnson
Linwood Smith Humanitarian Award: Fred Beam
Bronze Hand Award: Dorothy Brand
Advocate of the Year: Samuel Holden
President’s Distinguished Service Award: Betty Henderson
Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award: New Jersey Black Deaf Advocates
Outstanding Senior Citizen Award: Dorothy Nelson
Charles “Chuck” Williams Award: Thomas Samuel

2015 NBDA Conference — Louisville

Andrew Foster Humanitarian Award: Talila A. Lewis
Linwood Smith Humanitarian Award: Benro Ogunyipe
Bronze Hand Award: Stephanie Johnson
Advocate of the Year: Kari Cooke
President’s Distinguished Service Awards: Karen Anderson and Donald Tinsley
Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award: Alabama Black Deaf Advocates
Charles “Chuck” Williams Award: Willie Jenkins
Outstanding Senior Citizen Advocate of the Year Award: Dorthalia Owens

2013 NBDA Conference — New Orleans

Andrew Foster Humanitarian Award: Angela McCaskill
Linwood Smith Humanitarian Award: Claudia Gordon
Iconic Bronze Hand Award: Kimberly Lucas
NBDA Advocate of the Year: Martina Moore
President’s Distinguished Service Award: Anthony Aramburo
Organizational Excellence Award: National Alliance of Black Interpreters of Washington, D.C.
NBDA Lifetime Achievement Award: Nathie Marbury

Learn more about NBDA: National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA)