New Cultural Council Logo Owes Roots to Deaf, Hard of Hearing

Emily Boulger, creator of the Haverhill Cultural Council’s new logo, used American Sign Language to demonstrate the significance of the design. (WHAV News photograph.)

Note: This story has been updated to change terms referring to deaf and hard of hearing people, as requested by listeners.

Haverhill Cultural Council member Alison Colby-Campbell and Mayor James J. Fiorentini unveil the new logo. (WHAV News photograph.)

Haverhill Cultural Council member Alison Colby-Campbell and Mayor James J. Fiorentini unveil the new logo. (WHAV News photograph.)

A new logo for the Haverhill Cultural Council owes its roots, literally, to deaf and hard of hearing people.

At an unveiling ceremony Wednesday night at the Haverhill Citizens Center, artist Emily Boulger, cultural council member and Shoe Town Art Center proprietor, explained the significance of the colorful tree top and roots design she created.

“I work with individuals who are deaf and the design of the tree is actually in ASL—American Sign Language.”

Once Boulger created the tree design, the project was turned over to Kim Corton of Corton Design who selected a typeface and placed a slogan. Council Chairperson Letriah Masters told the audience, gathered for a review of grant proposals, the slogan explains the council’s purpose.

“Just to reiterate; we are the Haverhill Cultural Council, ‘Enriching Haverhill One Grant at a time.” The council is giving away more than $25,000 this year to artists and cultural organizations.

Member Alison Colby-Campbell and Mayor James J. Fiorentini uncovered the logo for its first public viewing. Colby-Campbell said the logo will be used on signs, banners and business cards and feature both English and Spanish-language versions. The mayor said individuals and groups funded by the council are having a positive impact on the city.

Artist Emily Boulger shows the new Haverhill Cultural Council logo in both English and Spanish. (WHAV News photograph.)

Artist Emily Boulger shows the new Haverhill Cultural Council logo in both English and Spanish. (WHAV News photograph.)

“The city is very interested in the arts. I think it is part of the revitalization of Haverhill,” he said. Fiorentini used the opportunity to reflect on the recent passing of Tom Vartabedian, a 50-year newspaper reporter and photographer.

“It’s a sad day for the artist community, losing one of our great members this year, Tom Vartabedian—one of my first artists of the month in city hall and done so much for the city.” The mayor used the opportunity to announce he will bring back the artist of the month program.

“Once a month, we’re going to be displaying artwork in the office and ot gives you an opportunity—those of you who are visual artists—to have you art displayed and get some publicity on it.” Those interested in have their works displayed are asked to contact the mayor’s office at 978-374-2300.

5 thoughts on “New Cultural Council Logo Owes Roots to Deaf, Hard of Hearing

  1. Please be advised that the term, “hearing impaired” is unacceptable. Here is the explanation:

    The term “Hearing Impaired” is a technically accurate term much preferred by hearing people, largely because they view it as politically correct. In the mainstream society, to boldly state one’s disability (e.g., deaf, blind, etc.) is somewhat rude and impolite. To their way of thinking, it is far better to soften the harsh reality by using the word “impaired” along with “visual”, “hearing”, and so on. “Hearing-impaired” is a well-meaning word that is much-resented by deaf and hard of hearing people. This term was popular in the 70s and 80s, however, now is used mostly by doctors, audiologists and other people who are mainly interested in our ears “not working.”

    While it’s true that their hearing is not perfect, that doesn’t make them impaired as people. Most would prefer to be called Deaf, Hard of Hearing or deaf when the need arises to refer to their hearing status, but not as a primary way to identify them as people (where their hearing status is not significant).

    We are deaf, and not people with impairments (obstacles) in life!

    Hope that you and your people respect by refusing to use the outdated and offensive term. Hearing loss is more acceptable for everyone who is not just deaf.

    http://www.eastersealscrossroads.org/blog/2011/september/deaf-vs-hearing-impaired

    • Thank you very much for your insight! As you surmised, the reporter believed hearing impaired was preferable. Thank you for setting WHAV straight. Comments from others?

      • As Louis stated Deaf is the correct term to use. I did not know this was the correct term to until I was immersed into the deaf community a little more than 3 years ago myself. There were countless things I learned regarding culture, language, and that audism exists. This is why I wanted to incorporate the visualization of ASL into the Haverhill Cultural Council’s logo. Although it was not WHAV’s intent to be disrespectful, it did allow for some much needed education about what is acceptable language to use when referring to deaf people. Deaf people are not disabled they are no different than another me are you. Thank you very much Louis for correcting the title of the article.

    • As Louis stated Deaf is the correct term to use. I did not know this was the correct term to until I was immersed into the deaf community a little more than 3 years ago myself. There were countless things I learned regarding culture, language, and that audism exists. This is why I wanted to incorporate the visualization of ASL into the Haverhill Cultural Council’s logo. Although it was not WHAV’s intent to be disrespectful, it did allow for some much needed education about what is acceptable language to use when referring to deaf people. Deaf people are not disabled they are no different than me are you. Thank you very much Louis for correcting the title of the article.