In 1988, the Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University, the only university in the world specifically for Deaf individuals, chose a hearing person as the university's president over two highly qualified Deaf candidates. This individual had no experience working with Deaf students, no understanding of the Deaf community, and no American Sign Language (ASL) skills to communicate effectively with Deaf students and staff. The Deaf community erupted in a mighty cry heard around the world: "We want a Deaf President Now!"
Over the next seven days, Gallaudet students, in partnership with Gallaudet faculty and staff, the wider Deaf community, and thousands of hearing supporters, staged a historic protest, shutting down the university until the hearing president resigned. This powerful movement, known as The Deaf President Now (DPN) movement, led to Gallaudet finally appointing "A Deaf President Now!" 
Triumph of the Spirit invites readers to journey back to 1988 and experience the tears, struggles, excitement, and triumphs of those who participated in the DPN movement. Readers will also discover three powerful lessons from this pivotal event, lessons that everyone can apply to break down barriers in their communities. This book will inspire readers to prioritize their community first, respect one another, and work together as equal partners to create a better world for ourselves, our children, and future generations.