Jamaal Brown ‘13

(He/Him/His)

Marketing Communications Specialist

NTID Communications, Marketing and Multimedia Services

Jamaal graduated with a BS in Communication and is currently a Marketing Communications Specialist at NTID.

What is your nationality/how do you identify?
I am African American, but I proudly identify myself as Black. 

What or who has been your biggest cultural influence?
Barack Obama is probably one of the most influential individuals I look up to. He is one of the inspirational and effective leaders who inspire and empower people to lead positive change in the world. Besides that, I came from a basketball-oriented family thus my mother and brothers also are my biggest influences. 

What does Black History/Heritage Month mean to you?
Black History/Heritage Month means so much to me in numerous ways. Although February is Black History Month, it is American history. BHM is an important reminder to all of us that Black Americans – including educators, activists, journalists, artists, and others – have significantly impacted the world and shaped American history through the hardships. Every single day, I still am proud to recognize and commemorate the Black history that brings people together and gives people reasons for hope for success as we continue to promote positive social change. 

What advice would you give to those who are just joining your major as they look to advance their skillsets?
Communication is a good and exciting major. Once you enroll in this major, just enjoy learning as much as possible. Whether you aspire to be a professor, journalist, communications professional, or entrepreneur, I encourage you to get as much experience as you can. While studying in college, you can gain experience by participating in student organizations, internships with companies, volunteering services, and networking with colleagues. 

What is your favorite cultural dish?
My all-time favorite cultural dish is soul food, especially mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potatoes! I am glad that soul food restaurants are everywhere in Atlanta, my new current hometown.

From your lens, how can the larger community better support POC, like yourself?
One of the best ways to support POC is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where every voice should be welcome, heard, and respected. When opening a dialogue, it is essential to listen to people who foster conversations regarding diverse perspectives about systemic equality. 

Share a quote that you live by.
“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” - Barack Obama

“Less worry about what you want to be. Think more about what you want to do.” - Barack Obama

Do you have any resources to share for someone like yourself or for someone who would like to learn more about your culture?
There are plenty of resources out there. You can watch inspiring movies, find books, magazines (Ebony, Black Enterprise) or news outlets that interest you and inspire your success. 

You can check out this website to learn more about Black Deaf history, culture, and education: https://dcmp.org/learn/366-black-deaf-culture-through-the-lens-of-history.

You can also check out the list of the most influential people in the Deaf community: https://www.nbda.org/content/black-deaf-history-month

Share a cool, random fact about yourself.
I grew up playing with several folks who have gone to the NBA back in the 2000s. Although basketball is the sport I have loved since childhood, the first sport I loved was bowling.