Presenter: Dr. Ana Cruz, Professor of Education at STLCC-Meramec

The focus of this presentation will be on the development and significance of the award-winning book Culture, Deafness & Music: Critical Pedagogy and a Path to Social Justice. Dr. Cruz will open up a dialogue exploring aspects of Deaf Studies addressed in the book and the importance of critical pedagogy as its theoretical framework. The chapters of the book, mostly authored by Deaf scholars, reflect the Soul of Deaf People and address Deaf culture, diversity and intersectionality within the Deaf community, the significance of sign language(s), and the arts: poetry, theater, humor, visual arts/De'VIA (Deaf View/Image Art), and music. In addition, the audience will be introduced to the Deaf world, where the arts are a critical medium for analyzing hegemonic relationships, practices, and policies: the arts act as vehicles of resistance, affirmation, and liberation. It will be further emphasized that gaining a perspective on the various forms of oppression faced by Deaf people — such as audism, ableism, oralism — requires a deep understanding of the uniqueness of the Deaf world, the socio-cultural view on deafness, and (Radical) Deaf Studies. Such understanding is of paramount importance to envision a just and equitable present and future for the Deaf community. Ultimately, it is hoped that with this presentation we are all challenged to follow the book's call "to become advocates for equal opportunities for (and respectful interactions with) Deaf people to transform experiences of Deaf people in schools, public spaces, and society, and consequently transforming society into a better place for all." Live captioning and ASL interpreter provided. 

Presenter bio: Dr. Ana Cruz has taught at K-12/undergraduate/graduate levels in both Brazil and the U.S., and has earned multiple teaching and innovation awards during her 25-year career at STLCC-Meramec. She has held visiting academic appointments in Spain, Canada, Brazil, and China, and chaired the 3rd International Conference Paulo Freire: The Global Legacy. Her scholarship centers on critical pedagogy, social justice, the work of Paulo Freire, and music as an art form for d/Deaf people. She received the Paulo Freire Democratic Project Award of Social Justice in 2022 and will be honored with the 2026 Paulo Freire Legacy Award from AERA.