Interview
Marcus Smith
Marcus James Smith is a model, host, and deaf advocate. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, his passion for people and the deaf community inspires him to create art that uplifts and dispels myths about deafness. Marcus also encourages families to learn ASL to communicate with their children.
As the new host of Busboyandpoet ASL open mic, Marcus is eager to use this space to bring the community together to share, learn, and grow as a collective community.
What is your background and how did you start your journey?
“My story starts the day I was born on May 18, 1992. The umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck, and not enough oxygen got to my brain, causing me to lose my hearing. After surviving my traumatic birth, it seemed all was well. Then my parents noticed that I was not making baby sounds and I was not trying to talk. They took me to get my hearing tested and found out I couldn’t hear, and so at the age of two, I received my first hearing aid. I thank my parents for supporting and fighting for the resources I needed to be successful in school. That included learning ASL (American Sign Language), speech therapy, and instilling in me that my deafness didn’t define me.
I now work for the Baltimore public school system at my alumni high school, Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School. Working with deaf youth is something I’m passionate about because it’s important to instill confidence and give guidance to them. Oftentimes, one doesn’t see a deaf or hard-of-hearing black man that they can relate to; one who’s a real-life example that success is possible. To see that would help them understand that wearing a hearing aid isn’t shameful.
On a broader scope, I began modeling at a time when I was not sure what I was doing in life. I just wanted to try something new. I’ve now been modeling for about three years. I’ve done well — I’ve secured many paid gigs, walked the New York Fashion Week, and even graced the cover of a Baltimore Magazine and Billboard!
Pairing this success with my academic role, I work towards my goal: to be a name and face that people can point to as inspiration, approachable and accessible in the community. I’d also like to be an advocate for the deaf community. On a local level within the DMV, I’ve done just that. That makes me proud.”
What inspires you most?
“Chasing purpose inspires me. My purpose is attached to my testimony. The progression of my hearing and my passion for ASL allow me to inspire the deaf community, and to provide proof that hearing loss is not a reason to not be successful. I’m a big advocate of language, promoting ASL and supporting parents in learning ASL. My passion inspires me to help and encourage people.”
What do you consider the most common stereotype about being deaf?
“One of the most common stereotypes is that because you can talk, then you can’t be deaf. In reality, it depends on one’s background and their type of deafness, as there are different types of deafness. The environment is also important, as some deaf people can get speech therapy, while others grow up with a family that speaks as opposed to a deaf family.
There’s a concept within the deaf community called big D/little d. This dynamic is used to describe an individual culturally. A person can be fully deaf but little d if they grew up in hearing spaces and have never had to learn or embrace ASL. Someone else may be hard of hearing and is culturally immersed within the deaf community. This concept can also be used to understand an individual’s hearing level.”
“I want all people to realize that knowledge of self is the most important knowledge in life. Once you accept this, then you’re truly in control of your destiny.”
How would you describe your work?
“I’ve worked with several great brands, models, and designers. Different Regards is a Baltimore Native clothing company that has shown me great love. Kenny Kas are celebrity fashion designers whose dapper suits I was blessed to wear. Elieballeh is a NYFW designer I walked for. It was pure fire not only because it was NYFW, but the clothing just fit my style — smooth and elegant. Shaka King, a DC native designer, connected me to an online magazine that published me. This was a huge step for me as it inwardly solidified the fact that I was making the right moves and networking with the correct people.
I can’t forget Jennifer Edward-Gharty. We connected and she selected me to grace a beautiful wedding-themed shoot that was also published. I’m really proud of that shoot. When I look back at it, I ask myself whether I’ll be able to top those photos when I actually get married.
I’ve also worked with a number of great photographers, one of which is The Photochase. He’s a visionary, and every time we shoot, I feel strong and comfortable. Jermaine Gibbs is a Baltimore based photographer who is super professional and has top-notch equipment. I definitely want to work with him again.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Aaron Loggins, Warren Snipe, and Fred Beam. These deaf men model, act, and perform. These are figures in the deaf community that have influenced me in style, signing, and performing.”
I’m sure you would not say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
“Growing up, I was shy and quiet because of my deafness. I was not confident in my speaking and my signing. Once I got better at these things, the next big obstacle was my self-identity. Going to college exposed me to a vast array of people with diverse levels of deafness. This exposure was encouraging, but many people didn’t understand my journey. I received negative comments on how I signed or spoke, and some even questioned my deafness, which made me feel isolated in the deaf community. But I ended up meeting so many people who felt like me, and that gave me comfort. This is a real concern because sometimes a person who may be deaf or hard of hearing doesn’t grow up in the deaf culture, or their family doesn’t put emphasis on sign language, so people will make you feel like an outsider.
This taught me the importance of knowing myself. Knowing my identity is in Christ helps me not to live and die on the labels that we as society assign to individuals. It helps me push through the negativity. Unfortunately, there will always be people who say you’re not adequate. I was fortunate enough to have the support of my family and teachers, so I was able to get through it all. I’m now a beacon of confidence for myself and for others.”
How would you describe your style?
“I’m an athlete at heart, so I like wearing casual athletic clothes. Casual and comfortable is what you’ll see me in mostly. Texture is key, as it’s a sign of a well-made product. I love to dress in a suit, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more comfortable going out with a sports jacket and some nice jeans, topped off with some Chelsea boots or sports shoes. Simple, sophisticated, comfortable, and most importantly, versatile.”
Website: www.TheSigningModel.com
Instagram: @thesigningmodel, @asl_busboysandpoet
