World-renowned director, actor and writer CJ Jones held a lecture Wednesday to begin the Literature, Arts and Lecture Series at Oxnard College and to celebrate Deaf Appreciation Month. 

Jones was all laughs as he entertained over 70 students, faculty members, and guests. He began the lecture by screening short clips of two of his movies, What Are You…Deaf? and See What I’m Saying. 

Jones then spent most of the lecture sharing comical stories and adventures in his life. Tales included his experience with toilets in Japan and a close encounter with a lion on an African safari. He communicated through most of the lecture through an interpreter, but on many occasions he was able to speak to the audience without assistance.

Jones went on to explain how he became deaf and told the audience how he does not mind the endless silence.

“I love being deaf,” said Jones. “I’m proud of being deaf. It’s a wonderful life.”

Towards the end of the lecture, Jones played a game of “silent telephone” with selected members of the audience. The game included communication solely through the use of hand movements and gestures.

Jones ended his performance by thanking the audience for their attention and then gave one last word of advice.

“I want all of you to realize your potential,” he said. “You can do anything. It doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, or even blue. It is your heart that matters.”

Sign Language students from Oxnard College filled the front rows of the auditorium. Rodney Michaels, a 20-year-old English major, believes that the lecture has changed his view on the deaf community.

“I think CJ’s performance has helped me realize that deaf people aren’t just people with a disability,” said Michaels. “They are just as capable of any task as anyone else, they just have a different way of life.”

“CJ Jones Live” was the first of 12 lectures in the fall series. 

According to event organizer Shelley Savren, Jones’ lecture, as well as future lectures in the Literature, Arts and Lecture Series, is intended to educate students and the community by offering an educational experience that goes beyond the walls of a classroom.

“I hope that students will learn about different cultures or experiences,” said Savren. “It really depends on the presentation. Some are informative, some are entertaining and some combine both of these. I want students to be educated and at the same time enjoy themselves.”

The Oxnard College Literature, Arts and Lecture Series continues Sept. 30 when author Susan Forward comes to Oxnard to discuss relationships and personal goals. 

For more information on the series, contact Shelley Savren at [email protected] or (805) 986-5800 Ext. 1951, or Cathy Garnica at [email protected] or (805) 986-5809.