N O V E M B E R / D E C E M E B E R - 1 9 9 7 Deafness was a Blessing: Interview with Nathie Marbury Her face is familiar—it is on the cover of videotapes about sign language storytelling. But Nathie Marbury, who is has finished the coursework for her PhD in Applied Linguistics in the University of California, Los Angeles, considers herself primarily a teacher. Marbury has taught deaf and hearing students throughout the United States. She is part owner of a sign language videotape company, Building Bridges, and teaches at Shoreline Community College in Seattle. Here's an interview: WAY: Tell us about your family. Marbury: There were 17 kids in our family. I was #16. My mother gave birth to more, but they died. WAY: Do you remember becoming deaf? Marbury: I remember pieces of it...I remember waking up in the hospital room and screaming and not hearing my own voice. I was surprised when the nurse appear—How did she know that I wanted her? I remember watching another child moving her mouth and knowing that she was talking but I couldn't hear anything. I thought my voice was broken. Later home when I saw people talking and laughing, I realized it was my ears, not my voice, that didn't work. WAY: How old were you? Marbury: I was four years old. WAY: How did your family communicate with you? Marbury: They didn't. No one learned signs. My younger sister and I could understand each other a little and she acted as my interpreter. But communication between us was very limited. I didn't even know her name—I called her "Sister." WAY: Did you go away to school? Marbury: I have a few memories of public school...But we lived in Pittsburgh, where the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf is located and that is where I was educated. WAY: Did you enjoy your experience there? Marbury: I more than enjoyed it. WPSD made me the person I am today. Some people say that families must be supportive to have successful kids. For me, it was the school. WAY: Why? Marbury: Partly because I loved school itself—reading books. Partly because I could communicate there. I think it was good I was cut off from my family. Their values did not become my values. Instead I accepted the values of my school. WAY: Why did you want to become a teacher? Marbury: I just always wanted to be a teacher. I was always helping other children in class and in the dorm. There were no black and deaf teachers around, but I wanted to become one. And no one told me I couldn't do it. WAY: Was there discrimination at WPSD? Marbury: Yes. There was subtle discrimination perhaps. But the black and white students mixing socially and got along. And it was white teachers who encouraged me to continue my education. WAY: How did you learn about black culture? Marbury: It was not until I was an adult that I discovered my black culture! I discovered plays and books written by black people. It was an overwhelming experience—I was proud of our people. WAY: You were the first teacher who was black and deaf at Kendall School? Marbury: I was the first deaf black woman to do many of the jobs I have done. WAY: What was your favorite job? Marbury (smiling): I love teaching and I love kids. I do anything for kids. WAY: How do you feel about being deaf? Marbury: My deafness saved me. It was a blessing. General comments may be sent to: ISCS.ClercCenter@gallaudet.edu Last modified November 21, 1997 Copyright © 1997, All Rights Reserved Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Gallaudet University 800 Florida Ave. NE Washington, DC 20002-3695