Advocating. Empowering

Connecting the Deaf

Community.

Since 1983, NYCBDA has been a voice for advocacy, education, leadership, and community for Black Deaf New Yorkers.

A Message from the President

Charles Diggines

President, NYCBDA

A message from our President, Charles Diggines. NYCBDA has proudly served the Black Deaf community of New York City since 1983 — and we’re just getting started.

_ Upcoming Events

Empowering the Black Deaf Community Through Advocacy

Advocacy plays a vital role in creating equal opportunities and accessibility for the Black Deaf community. In this article,

Building Stronger Connections in the Deaf Community

Community connections help create support systems that empower individuals and families.

Why Community Events Matter for Awareness and Inclusion

Community events provide opportunities to educate, celebrate culture, and raise awareness

_ About NYCBDA

Mission

Our mission is to empower and uplift Black Deaf individuals through advocacy, education, and leadership development — promoting equal access, social justice, and cultural affirmation.

Who We Are

A nonprofit organization founded in 1983, dedicated to the Black Deaf community of NYC.

What We Do

Educational programs, youth development, civic engagement, and community empowerment.

Get Involved

Become a member, attend events, and join a movement that has been changing lives for over 40 years.

We regularly host workshops, social gatherings, and educational programs.

Membership provides opportunities to connect with others, participate in exclusive events

_ Advocacy & Programs

The Programs page should focus on NYCBDA’s current mission and priorities.

Deaf Community Advocacy

Advocating for equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Healthcare Accessibility

Addressing communication barriers and healthcare access for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind people.

Education

Supporting educational opportunities and equitable access.

Employment & Economic Empowerment

Promoting employment opportunities and economic advancement.

Civic Engagement

Encouraging participation in government, policymaking, elections, and community leadership.

Accessibility & Disability Rights

Advocating for ADA, Section 504, accessibility, communication access, and disability rights.

Community Outreach

Building partnerships and connecting the community with services and resources.

Community Resources

Create a section introducing the NYCBDA Resource Directory.

Families of Black Deaf Individuals

Immigrants & Refugees

Older Adults & Seniors

Inclusivity & Unity

Everyone Is Welcome

NYCBDA welcomes individuals, families, professionals, organizations, allies, and community members who support our mission and commitment to advocacy, accessibility, equity, and empowerment.

NYCBDA is rooted in advocacy for the Black Deaf community while welcoming everyone who supports our mission and wants to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive Deaf community.

Stay Connected with NYCBDA

Get the latest NYCBDA news, events, advocacy updates, announcements, and community information.

Support NYCBDA

Your support helps NYCBDA advance advocacy, accessibility, education, community programs, and opportunities for the Black Deaf community and the broader Deaf community.

Connect with NYCBDA

Mail Address

info@newyorkcitybda.org

Phone Number

(646) 363-6407

Address line

P.O. Box 15, New York, NY 10028

Team

Our Leadership

NYCBDA is led by dedicated volunteers who are committed to serving the Black Deaf community of New York City.

Charles Diggines

President

Vacant

Vice President

John Gregoire

Treasurer 

Jennifer Bailey

Secretary & Chapter Representative

Team

Our Leadership

NYCBDA is led by dedicated volunteers who are committed to serving the Black Deaf community of New York City.

Charles Diggines

President

Enjoys adventurous travel, seeks new cultures and offbeat destinations

Vacant

Vice President

Enjoys adventurous travel, seeks new cultures and offbeat destinations

John Gregoire

Treasurer 

Enjoys adventurous travel, seeks new cultures and offbeat destinations

Jennifer Bailey

Secretary & Chapter Representative

Enjoys adventurous travel, seeks new cultures and offbeat destinations

_ A Presidential Honor

Pillars of Faith

It is our deepest honor to recognize the Pillars of Faith—the men and women whose commitment, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion have carried the Deaf Torch forward across the decades.

"Together, the impossible becomes possible."

— Charles Diggines, President

Grand Torch Bearer (Honorable Pillar of Legacy)

The living foundation of NYCBDA. This recognition honors a lifetime of courage, sacrifice, and love.

Elder Torch Bearer (Honorable Pillar of Wisdom)

A guiding light, a mentor, and a warrior for our culture and our rights whose presence gives courage.

Covenant Torch Bearer (Honorable Pillar of Strength)

A covenant kept. Through transitions and quiet years, your strength has been a wall of protection.

Rising Torch Bearer (Honorable Pillar of Promise)

The bridge between what NYCBDA has been and everything it is yet to become.

Stay Connected with NYCBDA

Empowering the Black Deaf Community Through Advocacy

Advocacy plays a vital role in creating equal opportunities and accessibility for the Black Deaf community. In this article,

Guy Hawkins

Building Stronger Connections in the Deaf Community

Community connections help create support systems that empower individuals and families.

Darrell Steward

Why Community Events Matter for Awareness and Inclusion

Community events provide opportunities to educate, celebrate culture, and raise awareness

Dianne Russell

Join NYCBDA and become part of
a supportive and empowering community.

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