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The History of Bay Area Black Deaf Advocates

Bay Area Black Deaf Advocates (BABDA) History and Purpose

Bay Area Black Deaf Advocates (BABDA) was first established in 1988 in Oakland, California, originally known as OakTownBDA. In 2011, the organization was reactivated as the Bay Area Black Deaf Advocates, continuing its mission to serve the community.

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BABDA is the official advocacy organization for thousands of Black Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf individuals in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. These individuals are often underrepresented in educational, leadership, social justice, and policy decision-making activities that impact their lives. BABDA strives to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in these critical areas.

The Founders in 1988

BABDA, formerly known as OakTownBDA, proudly honors its past by recognizing its founding members as honorary members.

History and Present of BABDA

In 2011, OakTownBDA was renamed Bay Area Black Deaf Advocates (BABDA) and reactivated, gaining recognition from the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) in the same year. The reactivation of BABDA was marked by the establishment of its first full Board of Directors. These individuals played a crucial role in revitalizing the organization and continuing its mission to serve the Black Deaf community in the Bay Area.

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