TRIUMPH OF THE SPIRIT
The DPN Chronicle
The story of one of the most successful civil rights movements in American history.
Triumph of the Spirit: The DPN Chronicle, by Dr. Angel Ramos, offers a visceral, front-row seat to one of the most successful civil rights movements in American history: the 1988 Deaf President Now (DPN) movement. Unlike many texts on history told through the eyes of distant observers, Dr. Ramos was an active participant in the movement and offers an insider’s perspective. He turns this historical event into a heart-pounding narrative that feels as urgent today as it did decades ago, successfully capturing the raw emotion, sleepless nights, personal sacrifices, heartaches, and the thrill of victory of a movement that captured global attention.
The movement, triggered by the appointment of a hearing president at Gallaudet University (the world’s only university for Deaf students) over two highly qualified Deaf candidates, is a case study on how a marginalized group can overcome a powerful institution and cause social change. Triumph of the Spirit is far more than a historical book for the Deaf community; it is a universal blueprint for every changemaker, advocate, and leader committed to building a better future. This blueprint encompasses three core principles that were the foundation of the movement's success:
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Community 1st: The DPN movement succeeded because students, faculty and alumni stood as one. They were willing to put their livelihoods and academic futures at risk, forgoing promotions and risking expulsion, because they believed a Deaf president was more important than their own personal needs or desires.
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Attitude: A central theme is the concept of "Attitude." Protesters remained firm on their demands but maintained a level of respect even for those they disagreed with. This tactical use of attitude made it harder for the institution to dismiss the protestors as "troublemakers” and led to a peaceful and productive transition of power. This positive attitude also led to many hearing Partners supporting the students.
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Partners: While the DPN movement was a Deaf-led revolution, building bridges with hearing allies was vital for gaining the national momentum needed to force the powerful Board of Trustees to concede and appoint a Deaf person as president of the university. These hearing "Partners" didn't take over the movement but used their specific leverage (media access, worker unions, legal standing, political connections) to support the students' demands without center-staging themselves.
Triumph of the Spirit is essential reading for anyone interested in Deaf history, disability rights, student activism, or stories of overcoming adversity to achieve meaningful societal change. It successfully illustrates that when a community prioritizes its identity and stands as equal partners with the world, it can achieve systemic change. It proves that even the most powerful institutions can be overcome with the right combination of unity and strategy.
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REVIEWS
"I highly recommend it to anyone who
is interested in the Gallaudet University Deaf President Now... Gallaudet alumni will love it!"
ROBERT G. SANDERSON, ED.D.
Class of 1941
Trustee Emeritus
Gallaudet Board of Trustees
“The book does an excellent job of contextualizing the political, social, and cultural forces that shaped the DPN movement.”
NANCY ALEXANDER, PH.D.
Retired School Superintendent, AZ
“Triumph of the Spirit is an extraordinary work that sheds light on the cultural dynamics that unite us all in the pursuit of a greater cause.”
JOHN T. K. O’LOUGHLIN
ASL Professor
Palomar College, CA
“Triumph of the Spirit beautifully illuminates how hearing and Deaf individuals can work together to create meaningful change in their communities. The lessons from the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement—Community 1st, Attitude, Partners—are as relevant today as they were in 1988.”
STEPHEN LARACUENTE
Retired Vice Principal
Hawai’i School for the Deaf
and the Blind
“What an inspirational book! As a hearing individual, I was thrilled to read a book that is so hearing friendly and emphasizes the importance of hearing and Deaf people working together. This is a message that everyone needs to learn about—hearing and Deaf. Thank you!”
TERESA POPE
ASL Student, AZ
“This book successfully captures a defining moment in American history when students, faculty, and supporters came together to demand representation, dignity, and the right for Deaf people to shape their future.”
DOUGLAS FISHER, Ph.D.
Professor, San Diego State University
ASL/Deaf Studies
Interpreter Training Classes
Triumph of the Spirit: The DPN Chronicle is a must-read for students learning ASL and/or studying to become interpreters. By examining the DPN movement, students gain a deeper appreciation for the language and the community they will engage with. It's a lesson in history, civil rights, and cultural pride that goes beyond vocabulary and grammar, offering an understanding of the Deaf community's spirit and ongoing fight for equality.
Anthropology
Classes
Triumph of the Spirit: The DPN Chronicle provides a powerful case study for understanding how a marginalized group used a collective identity and political action to challenge systemic oppression and gain social and cultural recognition. The movement highlights key anthropological concepts related to culture, identity, power, and social change.
Anthropology often examines how power structures create and maintain social hierachies.
Sociology
Classes
Triumph of the Spirit: The DPN Chronicle is an excellent case study for sociology students that provides a powerful example of a successful social movement driven by a marginalized group. The 1988 protest at Gallaudet encapsulates key sociological concepts related to civil rights, collective action, and identity.
The DPN movement is also a foundational event for understanding the sociology of culture and identity, particularly for the Deaf community.
PURCHASE
