Deaf community center celebrates 40 years

A wonderful evening took place at a banquet held at Hamilton’s on Saturday, May 17 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jacksonville Community Center for the Deaf (JCCD).

The milestone marks four decades of dedicated services, advocacy, and community support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in Jacksonville and beyond. JCCD started in 1979 and the building was built in 1985.

The keynote speaker was Kelby Brick, Esq., of Maryland, who was born in Jacksonville and raised on Diamond Street before moving out of state in 1977. Brick is currently the COO of the National Association of the Deaf. He is a civil rights attorney and executive for private, nonprofit and public sectors. Also, he is known as a Deaf activist and advocate, author, consultant and a Certified Deaf Interpreter. He gave a presentation and guests enjoyed watching him.

Awards given at the banquet included:
• President’s Award to Bryon Sims;
• Outstanding Award to Paula Chance;
• Board Award to Open Communication Movements to Paula Chance, Jeannie Jones and Paul Pyers; and Certification of Appreciation to Mary Anderson, Jerry Covell, Roslynn Jacobs and Paul Pyers.