Famous Deaf People Essay: Andrew Foster
Andrew Foster was an incredibly inspiring, celebrated leader. Foster was the first African American to receive a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet College as well as a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. After his studies, Foster worked as a missionary to the deaf in Africa for over 30 years until his death in 1987. During this time he founded the Christian Mission for Deaf Africans and established 32 schools for the Deaf in 13 different African countries.
Andrew Foster was born on June 27th, 1925 in Ensley, Alabama. At 11 years old Foster, along with his younger brother, contracted spinal meningitis which eventually lead to the loss of his hearing. In the time of Foster’s childhood, African Americans were only permitted to receive up to a sixth grade education. Foster attended numerous segregated schools for the deaf, striving to advance past the sixth grade, and at the age of 26 he earned his high school diploma through a correspondence course.
Foster met with great difficulty while applying to colleges. He repeatedly attempted to apply for Gallaudet College, but was barred from attending due to his race. However, Foster did not give up and was eventually accepted in 1951 on a full scholarship. Foster was the first African …show more content…
Due to his tireless efforts pushing for the deaf to be respected and educated, Gallaudet College began welcoming many of Foster’s students into the university. In December of 1987, Andrew Foster died in a plane crash while traveling to Kenya. The Christian Mission still carries on his goal of creating schools and centers for the deaf communities in Africa. In 2004, Gallaudet named an auditorium after Foster and credited him as the “Father of Deaf Education in Africa.” Andrew Foster will always be remembered as a truly amazing individual and a leader to both the Deaf and African American
Andrew Foster was an incredibly inspiring, celebrated leader. Foster was the first African American to receive a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet College as well as a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. After his studies, Foster worked as a missionary to the deaf in Africa for over 30 years until his death in 1987. During this time he founded the Christian Mission for Deaf Africans and established 32 schools for the Deaf in 13 different African countries.
Andrew Foster was born on June 27th, 1925 in Ensley, Alabama. At 11 years old Foster, along with his younger brother, contracted spinal meningitis which eventually lead to the loss of his hearing. In the time of Foster’s childhood, African Americans were only permitted to receive up to a sixth grade education. Foster attended numerous segregated schools for the deaf, striving to advance past the sixth grade, and at the age of 26 he earned his high school diploma through a correspondence course.
Foster met with great difficulty while applying to colleges. He repeatedly attempted to apply for Gallaudet College, but was barred from attending due to his race. However, Foster did not give up and was eventually accepted in 1951 on a full scholarship. Foster was the first African …show more content…
Due to his tireless efforts pushing for the deaf to be respected and educated, Gallaudet College began welcoming many of Foster’s students into the university. In December of 1987, Andrew Foster died in a plane crash while traveling to Kenya. The Christian Mission still carries on his goal of creating schools and centers for the deaf communities in Africa. In 2004, Gallaudet named an auditorium after Foster and credited him as the “Father of Deaf Education in Africa.” Andrew Foster will always be remembered as a truly amazing individual and a leader to both the Deaf and African American