December 16, 2025
My name is Sheryl Emery, I am the President of National Black Deaf Advocates. I am a Black female with long hair wearing glasses and a white sweater.
This statement is created jointly by National Black Deaf Advocates, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and the National Alliance of Black Interpreters-DC.
This statement reflects our individual and joint position on the use of the N-Word while interpreting and discourse.
The word nigger is rooted in centuries of racial violence, enslavement, and oppression.
Every time it is used it is a bleeding sore that is opened again and again across generations of Black people. It has a history born of chains, black bodies auction blocks, of lynch ropes and Jim Crow. The history of the word is inseparable from slavery, white supremacy, state-sanctioned terror, and systemic harm against Black people especially when coming from non-Black people. It is a racist slur that carries the weight of centuries of terror and anti Blackness.
Words and signs have power, we are accountable for how we use that power. No classroom, no stage, no interpreting assignment, no “it’s just a lyric” can wash the blood off that word. It carries trauma, discrimination, and intended harm.
We, the Black Deaf community, want you to hear us clearly: the word, spoken, signed, coded, or “quoted” — if you are not Black don’t use it when interpreting. Use “N-word “
When non-Black individuals use it in ASL or in spoken English, whether in jest, in art, or in what they call “honesty,” they reopen trauma and reinforce the very oppression Black Deaf people are still fighting to survive.
Our call is simple and uncompromising: If you are not Black, do not use this word. Not with your voice, not with your hands, not in private and not in public. Deaf culture, interpreter role, educational context, or entertainment settings do not excuse or diminish the racist violence embedded in this language. Choose another word, another sign, another way. Choose to stand with Black Deaf people in honor and solidarity.
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Hello! My name is Tierra Carter, sign name T swooped behind the ear, President of NAOBI-DC. I am a light-skinned Black Woman with shoulder length brown hair. I am wearing a long sleeve green turtleneck.
Trauma arises from the use of the N-word because of historical racism, causing psychological injury, evoking fear, and anxiety. This word carries an enduring legacy of violence, racism, and dehumanization that causes real and lasting harm. Its use, even in academic, artistic, or historical contexts, risks retraumatizing individuals and communities who continue to bear the impact of anti-Blackness.
NAOBI-DC affirms cultural responsiveness as a core principle of the interpreting profession. Black interpreters and interpreters from marginalized communities should be actively sought out for situations where deep cultural insight is needed. At the same time, Black and interpreters of color should have opportunities to work in all settings, not only those defined as BIPOC spaces.
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Greetings,
My name is Mona Mehrpour, this is my sign name, and I am RID’s President. I identify as a middle eastern woman with dark brown curly hair, light tan skin, brown eyebrows and eyes, light brown lipstick, silver hoop nose ring, gold hoops, black cardigan, teal top, blue background and leather cream chair.
We recognize and honor the statements shared by NBDA and NAOBI-DC regarding the use of the N-word in interpreting and discourse. RID stands in solidarity with the Black Deaf community, Black interpreters, and Black leadership who crafted this message.
We acknowledge the deep historical violence, trauma, and systemic oppression embedded in this word and the ongoing harm it continues to cause Black community members that include Deaf people and interpreters. RID recognizes the word’s impact is not academic or theoretical — it is lived, generational, and deeply personal.
RID supports the position expressed by NBDA and NAOBI-DC. Use “the N-word” as the appropriate interpretation choice. RID affirms that interpreting choices must be guided by harm reduction, respect for the communities we serve, and an understanding of cultural and racial trauma.
RID acknowledges that this conversation requires continued discussion and deep personal and collective work. We must not approach this topic with defensiveness or finality — there is ongoing learning, accountability, and healing required.
It is incumbent upon all interpreters to educate themselves and each other, unpack biases, and reflect on the harm this word has caused the Black Deaf and interpreting community historically and in modern contexts. Interpreters must learn how to navigate this term across scenarios with cultural humility, care, and awareness of its impact.
RID supports the call for appropriate representation when scenarios involve language, trauma, or cultural contexts that impact the Black Deaf communities. At the same time, we affirm that Black interpreters should have equitable opportunity to all interpreting settings — not only those involving trauma, race, or identity.
We commit to developing policy, guidance, and resources so that this responsibility does not continue to fall solely on Black Deaf individuals and Black interpreters. We are committed to supporting future work led collaboratively across NBDA, NAOBI-DC, and RID, and invite others to do the work with us.
RID will continue this dialogue, engage our communities, and work toward practices that honor, uplift, and protect Black Deaf people. We express gratitude to NBDA and NAOBI-DC for their leadership, clarity, and trust in inviting us to do this work together.
Thank you.