New Jersey Black Deaf Advocates

11/01/2026

10/29/2026

🚨 CALLING ALL BLACK & DIVERSE DEAF WOMEN IN NEW JERSEY! 🤟🏾💜

FREE TRAINING! NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITY!

Have you ever considered becoming a DOULA? Here’s your chance! 🙌🏾

NJBDA is working with the NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) to connect our community with this incredible opportunity through NJMIHIA!

🌟 WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE:
✅ 100% FREE doula training
✅ CPR & HIPAA certifications
✅ Hands-on birth experiences
✅ Cultural competency training
✅ Support to become a Medicaid doula provider

📌 Ages 18+ | NJ residents
📌 Approximately 7–8 weeks of training
📌 Full attendance required

💜 Imagine a Deaf mother having a doula who understands her language, culture, and needs. THAT COULD BE YOU!

Deaf, hard of hearing, and ASL-fluent individuals are encouraged to inquire!

📩 READY TO GET STARTED?

Email [email protected] for the direct sign-up link!

📢 TAG SOMEONE! SHARE THIS OPPORTUNITY!

Let’s build more Black and diverse Deaf representation in maternal healthcare! ✊🏾🤟🏾

For information in American Sign Language (ASL), visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cipiG72Imvg

10/01/2026

MEET OUR INTERIM TREASURER | JOSHUA MCGRIFF

I am honored to join the New Jersey Black Deaf Advocates (NJBDA) Board as Treasurer. As a Gallaudet University graduate and a four-time Deaf Olympian and World Champion, I bring a lifelong dedication to excellence, leadership, and community advancement.

As an entrepreneur owning two companies and the founder of a non-profit organization, I bring extensive hands-on experience in business operations, financial management, and fiscal oversight. I look forward to leveraging my financial expertise and strategic background to strengthen NJBDA’s financial foundation, support our mission, and empower our community.

09/29/2026

MEET OUR INTERIM SECRETARY | DANA RUDISON

Dear NJBDA, NBDA, and Community Members,

Who I Am:
I am a Mental Health Clinician with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychology. I am passionate about supporting individuals and communities through advocacy, education, and mental health awareness. I am honored to serve as Secretary for New Jersey Black Deaf Advocates (NJBDA) and contribute to strengthening the Black Deaf community throughout New Jersey.

How I Can Serve NJBDA and Black Deaf Individuals in New Jersey:�As a mental health professional, I hope to promote mental health awareness, wellness, and access to resources within the Black Deaf community. I can assist with organizing and maintaining effective communication, documenting organizational activities, supporting advocacy efforts, and helping connect individuals with information and services that encourage personal growth, community engagement, and overall well-being. I am committed to helping NJBDA create inclusive opportunities that empower Black Deaf individuals and families across New Jersey.

Favorite Hobbies and Fun Facts:
I joyfully live, work, and attend church in New Jersey. I enjoy meeting new people, building meaningful friendships, and exploring new places through travel and adventure. I value lifelong learning, community involvement, and creating positive connections wherever I go.
Fun Fact: I previously served as President of the Houston Black Deaf Advocates in Houston, Texas, during the late 1990s. This leadership experience strengthened my commitment to advocacy, community engagement, and empowering Black Deaf individuals.

I am honored to serve alongside each of you and look forward to working together to strengthen NJBDA and support Black Deaf individuals throughout New Jersey.

09/26/2026

MEET OUR INTERIM VICE-PRESIDENT | STEVEN MCCOY

📍 New Jersey

Steven McCoy is an award-winning advocate, activist, and journalist renowned for his commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Steven is the CEO of Spoken Entertainment media company, where he produces his popular podcast “Sessions with Steven” , and “Sessions with Steven LIVE” speaking engagement tours. He is the Founder/President of Spoken Heroes 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between the able-bodied and disability community, training and shaping leaders of the next generation, and increasing the percentage of disability employment. The nonprofit won an award for “Outstanding Corporate Partner” at the Access NJ Star Conference in 2025. Steven McCoy made history as the World’s First Black DeafBlind Journalist, and was presented with the U.S challenge coin on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C for that milestone.

Steven has built a strong social media presence and garnered numerous accolades, Steven served as a fellow in a fellowship at Disability Belongs in Entertainment and News Media and Writing Pad for TV Comedy 101 where he was coached by Todd Waldman on television script development. He also was a Script Writer for BET’s “106th & Park”. Steven became a Host for Radio Disney and became a Disney Alumni Inductee, he was honored as one of 2022’s AT&T’s “Black Future Maker.” He is a Representative for the State of New Jersey Rehabilitation Council and holds an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Certificate from New York State. Steven has been recognized with the Oklahoma State Award by the Oklahoma State Rehabilitation Council, the Excellence Award by the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association, and the “Take the Lead” award by the National Association of Black Journalists. Steven consulted on various animation films and gaming projects to implement inclusion. Steven made the Forbes Founder’s “40 Under 40” List.

Steven's dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion has been acknowledged globally, Steven is the producer and co-host of the “Innovating Inclusion” podcast with the Fox Family Foundation, Steven has become a model for Target, Billy’s Footwear, and Zappos. He was appointed by NFB President, Mark Riccobono, as the Volunteer Field Representative of the National Federation of the Blind for the year 2025.

Steven is a proud member of the Bayonne Lions Club, a Writer for Able News advocating for disability rights, and the Brand Ambassador for the U.S Vote Foundation. Through the U.S Vote Foundation’s “Float Your Vote” and “YES” campaigns, he has significantly raised awareness for accessible and early voting, resulting in an increase in disability votes. Steven is currently a spokesperson for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities for the “More Than Work” campaign, which promotes the important role of Direct Support Professionals in supporting individuals with disabilities beyond employment. Steven was appointed by Fomer Governor Phil Murphy as Business Engagement Chairman for the NJ State Rehabilitation Council to partner with employers to ensure those in the disability community are employed and able to have equal opportunity.

With a wealth of experience and a passion for making a difference, Steven continues to inspire and effect change, championing accessibility and equity for all.

09/25/2026

MEET OUR INTERIM PRESIDENT | KATRINA PARKER

📍 Trenton, New Jersey

Katrina Parker is a Deaf advocate, community leader, educator, entrepreneur, and author with more than 10 years of experience serving and advocating for Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Her work includes Deaf advocacy, ASL and Deaf culture education, public speaking, mental health accessibility, community outreach, and leadership.

Katrina is the Founder and CEO of Hands of Prosperity & Empowerment LLC (HOPE), a Deaf-centered company focused on education, empowerment, digital opportunities, and personal development. She is also the creator of Deaf Digital Income (DDI), which helps Deaf individuals build digital skills and opportunities for financial independence, and the author of RESET: Take Your Life Back. No Faking.

As Interim President of NJBDA, Katrina is helping rebuild and strengthen the organization following its reinstatement. Her vision is to grow NJBDA’s presence across New Jersey, develop Black Deaf leaders, strengthen community connections, and expand access to advocacy, education, resources, and economic opportunities for Black Deaf individuals and families.

Favorite Hobbies: Dancing, traveling, technology, creating, teaching, and mentoring others.

Fun Fact: Katrina is always coming up with a new idea. Give her one idea, and she’ll probably turn it into a workshop, an impactful event, a life-changing experience, a movement, or one heck of a good time! 🤩

Want to connect with Katrina and be part of NJBDA’s rebuilding journey? Join NJBDA today! 🖤💚❤️💛
Katrina Parker

🔗 Membership link below.

09/23/2026

September is Deaf Awareness Month. 🤟🏾

At New Jersey Black Deaf Advocates, we are rebuilding, connecting, and advocating for Black Deaf people throughout New Jersey.

This is about more than awareness. It is about community, leadership, access, opportunity, and making sure Black Deaf voices are seen and heard.

CONNECT. ADVOCATE. EMPOWER.

Join NJBDA and be part of the movement. Scan the QR code on the flyer or see link in comment to complete the membership form.

📧 [email protected]

09/03/2026

💙🤟 Governor Mikie Sherrill has proclaimed that September is . A time to celebrate Deaf culture, promote inclusion, & break down communication barriers. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone’s voice is heard, whether spoken or signed.

07/30/2026

NJBDA is officially rebuilding!

Following our reinstatement on June 10, 2026, we are proud to introduce the Interim Leadership Team of New Jersey Black Deaf Advocates.

Our interim officers stepped forward to help restore NJBDA, rebuild its foundation, reconnect with the community, and prepare the organization for future elections and long-term leadership.

Meet the team helping move NJBDA forward.

Become a member and help rebuild NJBDA with us! 🤟🏽🖤