Miss Black Deaf America 2009 Briana Johnson, center, will give up her title Friday when National Black Deaf Advocates crowns a new queen. Johnson is seen here with four current contestants. On Monday the group had a luncheon at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and toured the uptown facility. (Photo: Michael Gentry for Qcitymetro.com.)
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A national group that represents African Americans who are deaf or hearing impaired is meeting in Charlotte this week for its 25th National Conference.

National Black Deaf Advocates was formed in 1982 because, in the opinion of its founders, the needs of the nation’s black deaf population were being ignored by both black organizations as well as by mainstream groups that represent the deaf and hearing impaired.

The conference began Tuesday and will run through Sunday.

One of its signature events is the Miss Black Deaf America Pageant, which draws contestants from some of NBDA’s 30 chapters nationwide.

The pageant has been held annually or biannually since 1983.

This year, five young women will compete for the crown at the Charlotte Convention Center on Friday. On Monday they had a luncheon at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and toured the uptown facility.

“It feels like a sisterhood, not like we are competing or at odds with one another,” said Ericka Baylor, who represents the Washington, D.C., area. “We’re here to help each other prepare for competition.”

The pageant winner will tour the country as a NBDA representative and take part in workshops for the advocacy group.

In addition to the pageant, this year’s conference will include a “Youth Empowerment Summit,” a “Collegiate Black Deaf Student Leadership Institute” and several workshops and forums, including sessions for seniors, and a Saturday gala.

This conference is meeting in Charlotte for the first time.

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