Written by Earl Mikell

Whenever we talk about a Mecca of our very own, in the Deaf world, the discussion will be always steered towards Gallaudet University as being just exactly that. The university holds a very tangible and larger than life position in our community, and continues to be at the forefront of the long fight for civil rights progress and universal recognition. It is a hub of deaf history and memory, and in proceeding to educate their students they also pass along our culture and language, to be carried on to the next generation. Gallaudet University, ever since it’s founding in 1864, has always been the focal point of the community.

Is that still true today? Or has there been a change in what we view as our holiest monument to community and history? I think there has been some change in that thinking. Maybe it’s not apparent or whatever, but I feel that the region encompassing all of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia has become the new Deaf Mecca of sorts. There you have Gallaudet, Maryland School for the Deaf, NAD, Viable, DPHH, and so on. There is so much available to Deaf people in the region, and so much to do and know that you’re really living more of a Deaf life here than anywhere else.

Not everything needs to revolve around Gallaudet University today, and I think it’s safe to say that a virtual Deaf city of sorts has risen up around it today. We have people from all over coming here, and we have people deciding to stay here for a while just to soak up the rich life experiences we’re all having around here. It’s only become a recent development, but the wonders of living in the mid-Atlantic region can’t be denied. At least, that’s what I believe. How about you? Do you think it’s changed, our Deaf Mecca, to something like this today?

Is the Washington D.C. region a Deaf Mecca of sorts? Why or why not? Carry on a debate in the comments, and please keep it clean!

A hat tip to dcgiftshop.com for the use of the photo.

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