Earl Allen

Senior Staff Specialist

NTID Substance and Addiction Intervention Services for the Deaf

Earl is a Senior Staff Specialist in the Substance and Addiction Intervention Services for the Deaf department.

What is your nationality/how do you identify?
Black.

What or who has been your biggest cultural influence?
My mother. I grew up in a predominately white environment and did not have much exposure to my culture. Access also made it a bit more challenging. Thankfully, at home, I embrace my mother’s cultural influence through her teaching, her cooking, and her love for church. It is important to note that my church consists of predominately Black and African-American members and much of our history gets passed down through church.

What is your favorite cultural dish?
Southern Fried Chicken.

What would you like people to know about your culture?
I think I would like folks to know that there is so much diversity in the Black community. Black individuals come from all parts of the world and none are the same. Additionally, our history is told best through our eyes. What you see in history books is not always a true depiction of our history.

From your lens, how can the larger community better support POC, like yourself?
Our race does not define our capabilities or our privilege within the larger community. We all bleed red, therefore, we’re all humans. When you look at us, look at us as a human being with a purpose in society. Work with us as you would work with anyone with no judgments.

Do you have any resources to share for someone who would like to learn more about your culture?
Black Deaf Center is a website that is devoted to focusing on the issues of Black Deaf folks and a neat place to get resources. Information regarding workshops, events, and community resources from all over the US is located on this website.

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I spent all of my education (elementary & high school and college) on one campus and in my spare time, I like to bowl.