Deaf in Christ
Our final Black history month feature is from Joshua Mcgriff! Joshua attends our Lincoln Theatre campus and leads our deaf community. Follow along as he shares his perspective on the intersection of his identity as a Black deaf man.
My name is Joshua McGriff and I want to share my experience being a Black and deaf Christian man. I was born and raised in a hearing family and was the only deaf person in my entire school district. Like many other teenagers, I was bullied, faced discrimination, and doubted by teachers because they didn’t understand my identity as a Black and deaf man.
Thankfully, I was raised by two strong role models. My parents, Debbie and Reginald McGriff, gave me thick skin. I was able to withstand those punches throughout my life because I had 2 people who wouldn’t let me fall too hard into doubt and gave me hope for my future. I eventually graduated from Franklin High school in New Jersey and attended Gallaudet University in D.C. Gallaudet is where I was able to have relationships and connections with others just like me— People who could relate to my struggle. I eventually learned American Sign Language and a little bit of Black American Sign Language.
I used to fear scenarios where I wouldn’t be able to communicate with someone or be falsely accused of something because of the color of my skin. Once I gave my life to Christ in 2019, those fears began to subside. My identity has been restored and redeemed in Christ.
God has given me a purpose to preach the gospel to the Deaf Community, made up of people who experience similar fears. I want my community to know that they are safe in this world and they are loved. Our ministry, Deaf in Christ, was birthed from that desire. We teach the gospel and the bible on Zoom to deaf people around the nation and in other countries.
Follow us on social media @deafinchrist
Here are ways you can join in the celebration of Black History Month both virtually and in-person through our church and throughout DMV and we encourage you to look up opportunities in your local community.
NCC Small Groups:
ASL Learners - This group will be teaching ASL to those who desire to learn ASL and connect with the Deaf community and other ASL users. Whether you are brand new to ASL or want to sharpen your language skills, join us this semester!
Events and Activities:
National Museum of African American History and Culture - Events
Smithsonian- History and Heritage Month Events
Additional Reading and Sources
Websites: