SIGNING BLACK in AMERICA is the first documentary about Black ASL: the unique dialect of American Sign Language (ASL) that developed within historically segregated African American Deaf communities. Black ASL today conveys an identity and sense of belonging that mirrors spoken language varieties of the African American hearing community. Different uses of space, hand use, directional movement, and facial expression are ways that Black ASL distinguishes itself as a vibrant dialect of American Sign Language. The African American Deaf community is now embracing their unique variety as a symbol of solidarity and a vital part of their identity.
SIGNING BLACK in AMERICA began screening in 2020 and is the second program in the Emmy Award winning TALKING BLACK IN AMERICA series, five interrelated documentaries on African American language and culture and their transformative influence on the United States and beyond.