For years, we have witnessed strangers on the street sporting tees that supports celebrities of all kinds, famous figures, and slogans such as “Team Edward”. Such a rare opportunity, if any, we see one of our kind sporting a tee that supports a Deaf character or person. The time is now ours. Ever since Switched At Birth came on ABC Family channel, the popular Deaf character known as Emmett (played by Sean Berdy) on the television show is making noise!

Along with By Mara and The M Projects, we are proud to announce that we have decided to design a tee in honor of Emmett. As you can tell, the handshape “I love you” is in the middle of his name. Emmett has won our hearts as well as the Deaf community in terms of authenticity, awareness of Deaf culture, and it does not hurt that Emmett has the looks to pull it off.

Yes, we are selling them at several booths in California as well as New York. Soon, you will have the opportunity to purchase them online via By Mara’s website.

PART I: REFLECTING

To this day, the event is still reeling in my head. The more I think about it, the event is truly a metaphor of a pearl. It took years of planning and determination to develop the vision in my head. As more ideas were turned into reality, layers were being built. With time, supporters and sponsors began to jump on board. There were times we’ve hit sand bottom. Manny, my husband, was my oyster throughout the journey. If not for his lending hand, I would never been daring nor strong.

Thanks to you to all for the extra magic touch you’ve added to our weekend of festivities:

OUR TEAM
Barbara Montan ~ Manny Johnson ~ Deanne Bray ~ Jessica Baldi
Allisun Kale ~ Laura Harvey ~ Aline Smith ~ Tate Tullier ~ Sarah Tullier
Bernard Bragg ~ Sean Forbes ~ Fred Beam ~ Carlos Aponte Jr.
Janette Duran ~ Rachel Tan ~ Martha Anger ~ Dani Duran

OUR SUPPORTERS
Susan McFeely ~ Colm McFeely ~ Bucky Johnson ~ Janet Johnson
Sheree Devereaux ~ Kay Anderson ~ Daniel Humphrey ~ Robert Ladines
Ma Ladines ~ Sandra Fontana ~ David Fontana ~ Matthew Anderson
GLAD ~ Michael Michner ~ Amy Michner ~ Robert Arnold ~ Eve Gaston
Daniel Nakaji ~ Melanie Nakaji ~ Sharon Ann Dror and Family

OUR SPONSORS
Purple Communications
Sprint Relay ~ Harvey Video Productions
Town and Country Event Rentals ~ Tate Tullier Photography
DawnSign Press ~ Kramer Financial

As soon the oyster opened up, The Pearls Affair began to unravel. Suddenly, there was a blinding glow to its event as well as each woman who’ve graced the floor. A lawyer, writer, business owner, fashion designer, and advocate. Divers have gone to great depth to collect the pearls from the sea. Each Deaf woman have, too, gone to such depth to discover the passion within themselves. With that fire, they decided to share with the rest of the world.

PART II: THE PEARLS AFFAIR

On the morning of June 4th, my hubby and dad went their ways to pick up the Pearls from the airport. During that time, I decided to treat myself a makeover with a stylist. Tia was wonderful as she calmed down my nerves with all of her beauty secrets. Right after that, Ty was kind enough to drive me back to the site to get working. Before I knew it, our team came in, one after another. The servers, the event rental company, the chef, the speakers, the film maker, and the photographer. Bam, the show was about to begin in a matter of minutes.

The Pearls arrived with great sense of fashion and elegance. Even though I’ve been in contact with them for a year, I was shaking inside. Each hug, each smile, each greeting tamed my nerves one by one. Being with them in the same room left me speechless. My dream, my vision is becoming a REALITY.

As soon everyone sat down for the program…the Pearls were laughing, snapping memories, and swapping stories among each other. To top an already magical affair, Deanne Bray has done it. She was not only doing her job as the Mistress of Ceremony, but as an individual who put every word from a script into life. Watching her, it was a whole new dimension. There are no words to show my gratitude to you, Deanne.

As soon the program ended, three course dinner was served right into their laps. The servers held such a friendly hospitality towards each Pearl. As the sun came down, the lanterns at a distance morphed into a sea of pearls. At last, the Eyes of the Pearls poem performed by Deanne Bray has unfolded in front of our guests. Once again, Deanne and the words of Jessica Baldi blew us out of the water.

As the night was coming to an end, the Pearls squirmed their way inside to the couches to chat way past the event time. Inside of me, a sigh of relief came out. My job is completed. What a rare opportunity to bring outstanding Deaf women under one roof privately.

Thank you to all the Pearls for accepting the award and gracing your presence with us. My only wish was to be able to sit down with each one to get to know you even more. Perhaps next time I should hire an event planner. Wait a minute, doesn’t that defeat the purpose of me being one?

PART III: THE MEET N’ GREET THE PEARLS EVENT

The Meet N’ Greet The Pearls ended with a big bang! The sun was out, everyone was chilling on the lounge, and supporters were grinning from cheek to cheek.

There was this wonderful speech by Diana Herron, rep from Purple Communications, saluting Marcella M. Meyer, Black Pearl Honoree, for her efforts in the 1980′s to establish TRS, which now has evolved into VRS.

To our surprise, many want to continue their support for many years to come.

After everyone left…the room became eerily quiet. To remove that feeling, a gift bag in the corner of my eye was begging to be unwrapped. Here came out a book filled with quotes by Deaf women. As I was turning the pages, I recalled someone saying to me earlier on, “It might feel like its the end…but really, it is just the beginning.”

MICHELLE: When I was a little girl, about 7 or 8 years old, I remembered watching a great movie called “The Sounder.” It’s known as a Black classic film. In the movie, I saw a powerful Black woman performing. I was puzzled and asked my mom who the woman was. She said it was Cicely Tyson. I asked her, “What do you call this?” That’s acting my mom responded back. It got me thinking… I like her and I want to be like her.
MICHELLE: Apparently, I was the first Deaf student that enrolled into that college (State University of New York) and they did not have an interpreting service or anything. So, I really had to educate them, the administrators specifically, on how to take care of things for the Deaf students such as interpreters, notetakers, and other needs in order to provide services for the deaf. My experience there was great because there was an opportunity to meet many wonderful students that are hearing. I grew up going to Kendall and MSSD then Gallaudet for one year. That was the point when I felt that is enough. I’ve been in a deaf institution all of my life. To get out of DC and go to a college full with hearing students would be a good challenge for me. It was where I can really push forward my goals as an actress. My journey was a great experience – met great people there who was willing to work with me. AND some of the students, we’ve become best of friends. I taught them a few signs and even some already knew ASL before.
MICHELLE: I set up Onyx Theater Company during 1989 to 1990 with two friends of mine. My mentor was the one who encouraged me to set this up as the recognition for the Deaf Black actors out there was not enough. There weren’t a lot of work for them. Really, its more for deaf and hard of hearing people of color actors. It include Asian, Spanish, Native American, and African American. Of course, it was set up in New York City, the heart of the Apple City. A city where it draws all the actors, entertainers, diverse people and cultures. We did this for eleven years. With that, we did several wonderful productions like “Love Your Enemies” and “FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF.” We did great plays for the Deaf and hearing audiences. I strongly believe in mainstreaming.
MICHELLE: Yes. A friend of mine contacted the person from ESSENCE Magazine and recommended that they should interview me. This is because of my work with Onyx Theatre Company. So, they contacted me expressing their interest in interviewing me due to the great work I’ve done overall. I was super excited. ESSENCE is one of my favorite magazines. Of course, I said yes. They came to Onyx Theatre Company, my organization, in New York City. It was great interview as they were asking me about how Onyx Theatre was established, its purpose and mission, what work I’ve done with the company, and personally about myself.
MICHELLE: My show, one woman show, which its called “Reflections of a Black Deaf Woman.” I did the play in Los Angeles for six weeks. Well, the first play I did was about four weeks then in the valley for six weeks. Amazing. That play I wrote from my observations of Black Deaf Women all over. A lot of people think that my one woman show is about my life experience, but it is not. It is really about them that I see with my own eyes, heard, and take them all into one story. Specifically, that story is about a Deaf mother and daughter, both deaf – their lives is very similar, but the only difference is that they come from two different generations and education backgrounds. The mom is more of on the grassroots side while her daughter is more educated. Both of them helped each other to be successful in their own lives. It is definitely my favorite play in which I toured. I loved how the audience responded to my one-woman show because they feel a connection and its close to them. As for favorite television, I must go with my first tv gig called “Soul Food.” Because that was my FIRST tv opportunity. I worked hard to get myself into that tv show by contacting the producer. I told them of my idea of putting in a Black Deaf character in the story. In fact, it took almost one year to get through to the producer’s head and wrote a character for me. So, it was rewarding!
MICHELLE: All are wonderful women, wonderful talents in their own fields, but there two I noticed the most interesting. Amy Edwards was one of them. Because of her animation skills on the computer in the film. I thought it was interesting. It must be one fascinating career. Interesting! Because I like to work in a similar industry as her and I think it would be great to meet her.
MICHELLE: A Pearl… an example of a hidden treasure that takes you by surprise. It shows the uniqueness in a person. Wow! Self-confident, hold its own beauty, elegance, fearless, and is ready to open up to receive new experiences within this world. That’s how I see the word “Pearl.”
MICHELLE: I would pick… I would nominate Ann Marie Bryan, but we called her Jade. Right now, she lives in New York City. Certainly, a wonderful woman. She is a filmmaker and has done a lot great work with documentaries. Recently, she just completed her first feature film, “If You Could Hear My Tune.” I think people need to see and recognize her work. Because she has been working tirelessly for so many years.

SHEENA: You founded TCS Associates with your husband Phil Aiello. What got you involved within the technology field?

MYRNA: I want to say that my husband in 1982 – we weren’t married. We were together. Because of my husband being a computer expert and the desire in setting up a business… we thought long and hard about what kind of business. In 1982, it was the beginning of a technology era. We thought it would be nice to set up an IT company. That was the beginning of everything. Back then, it was called – it was a different name – “Software N (and) Things.” That was the beginning of new IT technology. Why did we go with that kind of business at that time? Back then, there were a lot of computer stores, but no other places to buy other things such as software, printers, and different technologies at that time. So, we thought it would be challenging to set up a business that was not available, something different, and no one had.

SHEENA: Tell us more about TCS Associates and the services that are available to us.

MYRNA: It is a company that is very diverse. We do not provide one service, but many other services. TCS’ main focus is on assistive technology in a sense we provide solutions for people with disabilities in the workplace. Meaning equipments, services in different areas such as the blind, low vision, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, cognitive, and other disabilities. That is one area – a big one. With that, we have a variety of divisions: communication solutions including interpreting, remote cart, video services, and more. We have another area that is within the medical, legal, and professional aspect. In that, we have a new product called Dragon. The Dragon is becoming a new division as well as focus in our company. That is being used for people in the medial area like doctors, dentists, and lawyers. They are for, what I’d would call them, wounded war veterans. They are people who came back from the war that have lost some type of sense or gained a disability. Dragon is a great product as well as service for them. We also have assistive technology to provide and training for people with disabilities. We are a very diverse company. Finally, our newest division is interpreting services in federal government, private, and corporations.

SHEENA: I heard when you were younger, you did not receive a lot of support from your peers as well as your family. Is that true? If so, can you please explain more?

MYRNA: That is a very sensitive question as it brings back a lot of memories of growing up. I grew up and became deaf at the age of three. At that time, technology and other stuff weren’t made available, my parents were very young, and things weren’t like today. I went to a public school growing up knowing I was different, but my parents preached to me that I am no different from anyone except that I cannot hear. So, I grew up believing that I guess I was like everyone else but when I learnt of Gallaudet. I went there to learn sign language, got involved with Deaf culture and Deaf world…things were so different. Now that I am looking back and remembered telling my parents that I am not the same as everyone else, i am different because I am deaf, I cannot hear. BUT I function just like anyone else. My parents struggled with that because the word “deaf” was never accepted in my family. They see me as if I were like a hearing person. My friends see me so differently now as opposed to when we grew up. Today, they see me so differently and are so shocked as well as supportive now. They were not supportive of me back then. The time has changed. I came out to be myself and i have to admit while growing up I thought I was the only deaf in the world until I went to Gallaudet University meeting people like me. That is when I came out of my shell.

SHEENA: Back then and even today, there is a small number of deaf woman owned businesses. Now, what kind of advice do you have for them?

MYRNA: I am happy to be a role model showing that by being a woman and successful business owner, I would like to share – what I call – the three Ps. Persistence, patience, and passion. I have a quote I’d like to share with you, “Somewhere over the hill, there is a beautiful valley. You have to climb up and look down on that valley. What you see in the valley are your dreams, but you have to DO in order to accomplish. I believe you must be a doer, not a dreamer. That valley is what I called a success. To lead yourself to success, you have to have guts.

SHEENA: Out of all The Pearls, who do you admire the most?

MYRNA: Out of all The Pearls, I support, honor, and recognize all. They are all unique, but if I were to pick one… it would be Moon Feris. Why? She is a woman, business woman, very successful, we share some similarities in terms of providing the same kind of services. So, I would not call it a competition and the fact she is from another country, I admire her for that.

SHEENA: What does the word Pearl mean to you?

MYRNA: A Pearl is what I called to be beautiful, unique, special, glowing, and quality. There are many different meanings, but I consider a Pearl to be the America dream.

SHEENA: Should we have a second round of The Pearls, which Deaf woman would you recommend to be a Pearl?

MYRNA: That was the question I thought for long time. There are many successful women out there. However this time I would pick Stephanie Summers because I feel she is in an area that no one is in – not that I am aware of. She is in finances and established her own business. She is becoming successful in what she does.

SHEENA: Each artist has their own signature. Certainly, you have one. I noticed you tend paint people with orange faces and green hair. Why is that?
MARY: The colors are so important when it comes to painting green hair and orange bodies. I wanted that to start a conversation about that. Really, the one eye, no mouth, and no ears is actually my signature. Many people asked me why only one eye more than the green hair. When I look at my work, I analyzed the figures with no mouth or ears, they are involved with their lives. They are connected with people like me. Each figure is special and different. It is not perfect.
SHEENA: Out of all the paintings, which one is your favorite of all time?
MARY: Oh, I have many favorite paintings. It is hard to pick which one. When I think about it, my favorite is called “Five Boys.” I have it, let me show it to you. This one – when I painted this, it was about their survival, struggles, the need to bond… When I painted this, I did not realized that it was about ME. Inside of me, there was a struggle as a Deaf person and was in need of bonding with other people so they can understand my deafness.
SHEENA: Speaking of your paintings, you’ve painted several well-known public figures, is there any chance you’ll do a deaf person? If yes, who?
MARY: That is a good idea. Upon deciding on who to paint, it is important that the composition has a good concept of what the deaf person is doing. Should I pick, it would be a famous sculptor named Douglas Tilden. I can easily create a image of him sculpting and showing the passion, emotion, and energy in a painting. It is important I paint that way.
SHEENA: Should we do The Pearls again, feel free to nominate one who is worthy of a Pearl?
MARY: Oh!!!! There are many. I can think of some. One I would say is Juliette Low, founder of Girls Scout. Another person would be Tracey Salaway who is a professor at Gallaudet teaching digital arts and filming/videos – she is influencing her students – and another person like Linda Bove. I mean she is an actress – wonderful actress. Shelley beattie who was a professional body builder. Ah, there’s many! To pick one is tough, all are wonderful.
SHEENA: What does the word Pearl mean to you?
MARY: Pretty, shiny. A pearl is born into an oyster out of an intersection. That intersection is the same as Deaf. With intersection, it is developed into something beautiful and surprisingly tough. A pearl is an example of all of us being good role models and the importance of influencing the community.
SHEENA: Out of all the Pearls, who do you admire the most?
MARY: I admire them all. Each are expectational in their careers, great role models for deaf women and girls, and I admire you for your wonderful job selecting each one including myself in five titles. It’s amazing and I am excited to meet them all with such drive, excellence, and have a career. They are Deaf like I am Deaf. It’s simply wonderful.