Lecture Notes: A Tribute to Nathie Lee Marbury

Introduction

• Tribute Focus: Nathie Lee Marbury, a prominent Black Deaf woman, professor, and leader.
• Authors: Niesha Washington-Shepard (Maryville University) and Carolyn McCaskill (Gallaudet University).
• Significance: Nathie is recognized for her contributions to higher education and the Black Deaf community.

Early Life and Education

• Birth: January 20, 1944, Grenada, Mississippi.
• Family: 16th of 17 children, only Deaf member in the family.
• Education:
  • Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD).
  • Graduated in 1962, aimed to attend Gallaudet College.
  • Faced racism during her schooling.

Higher Education

• Gallaudet University: Stopped attending for a period, later returned and graduated.
• Degrees:
  • Bachelor's in Home Economics from Gallaudet (1975).
  • Master's in Special Education from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) (1976).
  • Second Master's in Educational Administration and Supervision (1988).
  • Doctorate in Deaf Studies/Deaf Education from Lamar University (2007).

Career and Contributions

• Kendall School: Served as a Communication Specialist and instructor.
• California School for the Deaf, Fremont: ASL Specialist.
• Deaf Ujima: Founded to integrate Black and Deaf cultures.
• Sign Enhancers, Inc.: Director, also taught at Shoreline Community College.
• Austin Community College: ASL Interpreter Training Department professor.

Activism and Advocacy

• Deaf Culture and ASL: Prominent ASL storyteller and performer.
• Black Deaf Community: Strong advocate, highlighted in her dissertation.
• Innovations:
  • Co-founded ASL curriculum TRUE+WAY ASL.
  • Known for Ajax and Choir storytelling.

Honors and Legacy

• Awards:
  • NBDA Lifetime Achievement Award (2013).
  • ASL Honor Society scholarship named after her.
• Historic Firsts:
  • First Black Deaf woman in various educational and leadership roles.

Personal Life

• Family: Two daughters, five grandchildren.
• Death: Passed away on April 15, 2013, from cancer.
• Remembered: For her laughter, signing style, and contributions to ASL.

Conclusion

• Legacy: Nathie's work continues to impact ASL education and the Deaf community.
• Tributes: Numerous acknowledgments from colleagues, students, and organizations for her contributions and leadership.