Amberlee Jones

Interpreter

NTID Department of Access Services

Amberlee is an Interpreter with the Department of Access Services.

What is your nationality/how do you identify?
I am a proud black woman.

What or who has been your biggest cultural influence?
I would say the biggest cultural influence has to be my Dad's side of the family. They are originally from the south. During the Great Migration, the came up to New York City in order to escape Jim Crow in hopes of finding more opportunities. I feel my aunt was instrumental in my sense of self. She made sure that I knew our history, leaders within the community, music, traditions, and helped me develop the confidence to navigate this world as a Black woman. Another huge pillar in my life as been Lindy Hop, a dance created in the 1920's by the Black community in Harlem. To me, Lindy hop is jubilant, joyful, inviting, and infectious.

What is your favorite cultural dish?
Soul food; great for my heart, bad for my arteries. I love candied jams, sweet potato pie, and mac and cheese.

What would you like people to know about your culture?
The Black community has a wonderful rich and colorful culture which has contributed so much to this country and the world. It is an undeniable truth that Black people in America had sacrifice and suffered for generations and often our contributions are erased or not credited. Love our contributions, but in the same vein, show that same love towards our people and our community.

From your lens, how can the larger community better support POC, like yourself?
I feel that we should actively work to dismantle deficit model language. Imagine the impact if we changed how we talk about / to underrepresented communities to, "You belong, your perspective is important and valued. I will actively work to dismantle the barriers that keep you from participating."

Do you have any resources to share for someone who would like to learn more about your culture?
The Color of Law is an amazing book which talks about how legalized zoning laws at the local level continued the legacy of segregation, which affects communities today. It breaks down how racism written into laws were (and continue to be) both legal and intentional. This book has allowed me to become a more active citizen at my local level.

What is a fact about yourself?
As a freshman in high school, I hiked the New Hampshire/Maine portion of the Appalachian Trail with my class for three weeks.