UMD is hosting a powerful Black History Month event on February 17. Matt Maxey, founder of DEAFinitely Dope, will share his unique perspective as a Black Deaf entrepreneur.
Through his skillful American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of hip hop music, Maxey bridges the gap between the deaf and hearing communities. Maxey has toured with nationally-acclaimed artists like Chance the Rapper.
He also educates people and promotes intercultural awareness and inclusion. During the virtual event “Sustaining Voices Through Deaf Leadership: How Individuals Reclaim Recognition of Voice Through Music,” Maxey will share information about Black Deaf history as well as insight about how that lens applies to current social dilemmas.
Deaf Studies Instructor Chris Johnson organized this event to coincide with Black History Month to promote awareness about the rich diversity within the Black community as well as enhance students’ understanding of intersectional identities.
Johnson calls Maxey a “stellar, robust role model for American Sign Language (ASL) learners, especially the marginalized.”
The CEHSP Social Justice Action Committee (SJAC) event was made possible with funding from the UMD Department of Education and the College of Education and Human Service Professions.