Ami Kal: The impact of Mr Peter Brown, my BSL teacher and mentor (BSL)

There are people who come into our lives and change everything. For me, one of those people is Mr. Peter Brown—my BSL teacher, my mentor, and a man who gave me my deaf identity.

I want to take a moment to share just how much he has meant to me and to the deaf community. Mr. Brown is not just a teacher; he’s an icon, a historian, and a force of nature whose dedication to deaf culture has shaped so many lives, including my own.

His belief in me, his passion for our language, and his deep commitment to our community are things I’ll carry with me forever.

Before I met Mr. Brown, I didn’t fully understand what it meant to be part of the deaf community. I had always known I was deaf, but I hadn’t yet found my place. That all changed the moment I walked into his classroom.

It was there that he introduced me to something I never knew I needed—my deaf identity. He didn’t just teach me BSL; he opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know existed.

Through him, I learned about the power of language—not just as a tool for communication, but as a way to connect with a rich history, culture, and community.

It was through his guidance that I found my confidence, my voice, and my place among other deaf people. He showed me that being deaf was not something to be hidden or ashamed of, but something to be proud of.

I will never forget the encouragement he gave me, even when I doubted myself. He believed in me when I didn’t always believe in myself.

His words were simple but powerful: “You belong here, you matter, and your voice is important.” Those words stayed with me, and I often think back to them when I face challenges.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Brown’s impact on the deaf community is immeasurable. He’s not just a teacher; he’s a historian, a storyteller, and an advocate who has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting deaf culture.

One of the things that always stood out to me about him was his deep love for BSL. To him, it wasn’t just a language—it was the heartbeat of the community, a vital link to our past, present, and future.

As a historian, Mr. Brown worked tirelessly to document the stories of those who came before us. He helped bridge the gap between generations, making sure that the struggles and triumphs of past deaf communities are never forgotten.

He’s the kind of person who sees the importance of every small detail, every anecdote, every history that contributes to who we are today. His work reminds us that our culture is not just a collection of isolated events, but a living, breathing entity that continues to shape our world.

One unforgettable moment for me was when Mr. Brown took me to the BSL Rally outside Parliament. He gave me the honour of shaking the famous bell—a symbol from the era of oralism when deaf children were encouraged to “hear” like hearing children.

The bell had long stood as a reminder of the struggles of deaf children trying to find their voice in a world that wanted to suppress it. Holding that bell in my hands was a powerful moment, a connection to history, and a reminder of how far we’ve come.

I was also fortunate enough to touch a sculptured piece of stone created by Joseph Gawrn himself, from the first deaf church. To hold a piece of history like that, crafted by one of the deaf community’s own pioneers, was truly humbling.

And as a proud owner of the Georgian cast-iron rail that was installed in 1810 in the second premises of the first free deaf school established in 1792, I’ve come to realise that these artefacts are more than just pieces of the past. They are tangible symbols of our resilience, our fight for education, and our pursuit of equality.

Through Mr. Brown’s passion and dedication, he ensured that we never forget our history and that we carry it with pride as we build toward the future. His work continues to inspire, and I am grateful to have been part of that journey.

While Mr. Brown’s achievements in preserving deaf history and his contributions to BSL are incredible, it’s his character that truly sets him apart. He is not just a teacher, but a mentor, a friend, and an unwavering advocate for the deaf community.

There’s a warmth about him that immediately makes you feel valued, heard, and seen—something so rare and precious.

What struck me most about him was his belief in people, particularly in those who may feel out of place or overlooked. He has this unique ability to recognise potential in others long before they see it themselves.

He has this quiet way of letting you know that you matter—whether you’re a student in his class or a member of the deaf community seeking support. His words and actions have always been about empowerment, lifting others up, and fostering a sense of belonging.

One of the things that makes Mr. Brown so special is his humility. Despite all his accomplishments, he remains grounded and approachable. He doesn’t seek the spotlight for himself, but instead shines it on others.

Whether he’s quietly helping a student master a difficult sign or passionately speaking at a deaf rally, his goal is always the same: to create a stronger, more unified community where every deaf person can find their voice.

And then there’s his unwavering dedication to the cause. Mr. Brown’s life work has been about amplifying the deaf community’s voice, whether through education, history, or advocacy.

His passion for BSL and deaf culture is infectious, and it’s this passion that has inspired so many of us to step into leadership roles and fight for better opportunities for future generations.

Mr. Brown is more than a teacher; he is a symbol of everything we aspire to be as a community—kind, generous, determined, and deeply committed to ensuring that every deaf person has the chance to flourish.

He’s the embodiment of the deaf spirit: resilient, proud, and unyielding in the face of adversity.

As I reflect on everything Mr. Brown has done for me and for the deaf community, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. He didn’t just teach me a language—he taught me to embrace who I am, to take pride in my deafness, and to connect deeply with a community that will always be my home.

Through his guidance, I’ve found my place, and I’ve learned to pass on that belief in others, just as he did for me.

The impact of Mr. Brown’s work will continue for generations to come. His commitment to preserving our history, his dedication to BSL, and his deep love for the deaf community have all shaped a legacy that will never be forgotten.

He’s a man whose influence stretches far beyond the classroom, leaving an indelible mark on all of us who have had the privilege of knowing him.

I am honoured to have been one of his students, to have learned from someone so passionate, kind, and unrelenting in his belief that every deaf person deserves to be seen and heard.

Mr. Brown gave me a gift that no one can take away—a sense of belonging, a love for my language, and a deep appreciation for the community I am proud to be part of.

Thank you, Mr. Brown, for everything you’ve done—for me, for the community, and for future generations of deaf individuals who will continue to learn from your wisdom and your love for our culture.

This is his motto, one that has guided his life and his work:

“Deaf history is not a form of archaeology, it is a race against discrimination.”

Ami is a deaf writer based in London, dedicated to breaking down the barriers that the deaf community faces daily. Passionate about empowering deaf voices, Ami strives to challenge misconceptions and create spaces where all individuals, regardless of hearing ability, can share and celebrate their stories.