Carolyn Mccaskill

About the Author

Carolyn McCaskill is a distinguished linguist and educator whose groundbreaking research has illuminated the rich heritage of Black American Sign Language (Black ASL). With a career spanning decades at Gallaudet University, she has dedicated herself to preserving and analyzing the unique linguistic structures and historical evolution of Black ASL, a vital dialect born from segregated deaf communities in the American South. As co-author of the seminal work 'The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL: Its History and Structure,' McCaskill bridges academia and cultural advocacy, fostering greater awareness of linguistic diversity within deaf communities. Her contributions extend to teaching, mentoring, and public speaking, where she passionately champions the recognition of Black ASL as an essential thread in the tapestry of American linguistic history.