Volume 1, Issue 2 2021
Page 7
Black Deaf Lives Matter
a new children's activity book from Dr. Lissa Ramirez-Stapleton, PhD Historians have not agreed on exactly when the enslavement of Black people started; however, between the 1850 and 1860 U.S. Census, Deaf people made up approximately 14% of all enslaved people with disabilities. Dr. Lissa Ramirez-Stapleton, PhD focuses on that population and its descendants, building bridges between Deaf and hearing communities of color through education, activism, and mutual respect. We spoke to her about her activism and her new children's book, Black Deaf Lives Matter.
About Dr. Ramirez-Stapleton
I am originally from Columbus, Ohio. I have many identities, but those I'm most proud of are being a wife and a Black queer mama to our little girl, Kalia. I am an associate professor at California State University Northridge in the Department of Deaf Studies and core faculty for the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program. My research focuses on equity and access, identity development, and the educational history of Deaf students, faculty, and staff with a particular interest in the intersections of race, gender, and disability. I previously worked as a student affair professional and with Semester At Sea.
My research focuses on equity and access, identity development, and the educational history of Deaf students, faculty, and staff with a particular interest in the intersections of race, gender, and disability.
My desire to support Deaf college Students of Color, led me to pursue my doctorate at Iowa State University where I graduated in 2014 with my Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Higher Education and Social Justice and a minor in Women's Studies. As a private consultant for over 15 years, I conduct trainings, workshops, and keynotes on issues of social justice, equity, and diversity across the country as well as support campus climate assessments as a qualitative research specialist with Rankin & Associates Consulting. I am professionally involved with the Association for the Study of Higher Education and active within the National Black Deaf Advocates organization. I love traveling, going to the movies, and hosting friends and family!.