Bree K. Jones is a Deaf Culture Merger, one of the Creators of I Hear You, and Biola University Psychology graduate. Understanding the challenges that are before the Deaf community, Bree’s mission is to merge both the hearing and the Deaf communities together by breaking down stereotypes and easing social anxieties between both worlds through media.
Bree received the Encouragement Award from Black Women Rock Nationally Women’s Organization for her work, as well as a Certificate of Recognition from Council Member Mike Gipson of the 64th District for raising awareness of the importance of sign communications for the Deaf community. Bree has interviewed on several empowering radio shows, sharing her expertise. She has also been featured in the HuffPost, PopSugar, Ai-Media, Voyage LA, Deaf Boss, the RiRi Show, and other media outlets.
What do you do and why?
I am A Deaf Culture Merger. As a Deaf Culture Merger, I educate the hearing community about the Deaf community; about their Culture, Language, and way of life so that the hearing world can be more intentional about providing equal access in everyday life to communication and information to the Deaf community. I love the Deaf community and have a deep passion for wanting to bridge the gap in understanding between the two worlds. The Deaf Community are a beautiful group of people and their language is the most beautiful language in the world.
How does what you do benefit others?
It would seem as if the obvious answer to that question is "I'm helping members of the Deaf community have a place and voice in the world"...but I'm not. They already have a place and voice in the world and I just want to broadcast who they are. Instead, I'm an asset to opening the minds and eyes of hearing people. Showing them how they aren't inclusive to the Deaf community, but showing them how they can become inclusive to the Deaf community. Hearing people have no clue about the Deaf world. Yes, they know Deaf people exist, but generally speaking, unless they themselves are in that world, then they have no clue that they are keeping Deaf people down. It's completely unintentional, but I desire to make them aware of it.
Describe your career journey and how it led you to where you are now.
My career journey has a bunch of twists and turns. I originally wanted to be a Psychologist. It's what I went to school for. While I was in school, I took ASL for my foreign language requirement and fell completely in love with Deaf history, culture and language. I had no idea what to even do with this new found love at the time, I just knew I had a burning desire to be involved with this community.
As I gained more friends who were Deaf, many of them had a desire to be in entertainment. However, there's a language and communication barrier that made their journey stressful and frustrating. As a result, I wanted to create a platform where they could share their stories and experiences through acting, writing, & directing. That was the birth of my web series I Hear You which revealed my passion even more to me. Creating content in entertainment where members of the Deaf community can show the world their talents.
What are your goals?
To secure the bag! LOL. No, in all seriousness, I just want to make an impact on the world. After the death of Nipsey Hussle, it really showed me I don't have time to waste and it showed me the impact I can truly have if I stay focused and stay true to what I love. In the end, I just want to do my part for the marathon to continue.
What are your inspirations?
Knowing that every day, the little bit that I do can potentially create a huge impact in the future.
If you could have one superpower to help you further your purpose, what would it be and why? How would you use it?
I am the superpower. Lol. I will use it by continuously being intentional and living with purpose.