The Power of ASL
A Society Supporting Language, Literacy, and
Performing Arts in the Signed Modality
Summer 2020 A Newsletter of the Society for American Sign Language Issue 18
Here Are Some Stories That
You Must Know…
By Zellie Meadows
I want to first thank SASL's Board of Directors for having me on board as one of its two
newest members. I would like to start by providing a little background about myself. First, I identify as
a Black American and do not care for the term “African American”. I was born to Deaf parents in
Baltimore, Maryland and I have a Deaf grandfather on my mother's side. I am a native signer and
have been very much involved in the Black Deaf community over the years. I also know Black
American Sign Language. As you will see, I am a true history buff and a strong advocate for social
justice. I hold BS, MS, and ED.S. degrees from Gallaudet University and am an alumnus of the
Maryland School for the Deaf at Frederick.
While I have many stories in my head, with the Black Lives Matter movement raging on over
the last few months, I have chosen two to share with you. The racial tensions in the United States
are very high right now, but I believe that things will turn out for the better. So much learning and
education are needed for combating racism, eventually resulting in the country's healing.
My first story is about me personally. When I learned about George Floyd's death, it brought
me to tears. I had a flashback to one very wintery night when I was driving to Washington, DC with
my mother sitting next to me in my car to drop her off at home. It was a very dark and cold night. As
we were driving, we approached a roadblock with several police cars parked around the barricades. I
stopped my car, and suddenly realized that I had left my driver’s license at home. I had mixed up the
diaper bag with my purse and inadvertently taken the wrong bag. When the officer approached me
and asked for my driver's license, I tried to communicate my mix-up with him. To my horror, the
officer thought I was playing deaf while trying to evade him. The next thing I knew, I found myself
fighting for my life. I bit the officer's hand, and he hit my face with his fist. I was knocked out and
badly injured. My injuries included swollen, bleeding lips, bruises on my face and left hand. The
officer also damaged my personal property including my eyeglasses, watch, and car tire.
I am most thankful that at the time Gallaudet University had a “LAW CENTER” that provided
legal assistance to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in the Deaf Community. I was able to sue
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(Continue on page 8)
The Power of ASL 1
Summer 2020 – Issue 18