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our National organization. Our mission is to promote the educational, cultural, social and
economic advancement of the Black Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Chapter. The Chapter was formed with the name Windy City Chapter of Black Deaf Advocates or
WCCBDA.
The nickname for Chicago, "The Windy City" is not well known outside of the Chicago area and
the name confused members of the affiliate chapters. In 2002 the name of the chapter was
officially changed to the Chicagoland Black Deaf Advocates.
The four founding members of CLBDA were: John Brand, Peter Gillo, Hershella Hearns Ashford,
Shirlene Williams and Jeanette Slone. John Brand and Peter Gillo no longer live in the Chicago
area but Hershella Hearns Ashford, Shirlene Williams and Jeanette Slone are still active members.
CLBDA works in cooperation with other agencies and organizations, both private and
government, in the Chicagoland area. Currently CLBDA is spearheading the formation of a Junior
CLBDA with the high school students in the Chicago area. CLBDA will celebrate its 20th
anniversary in 2006.
CLBDA has the second largest membership of the NBDA affiliate chapters.