Deaf Nursing Student Justina Miles Stole the Show at Super Bowl LVII

Justina Miles, a nursing student and deaf American Sign Language performer shined brightly at Super Bowl LVII during her energetic signing of lyrics for hard-of-hearing TV viewers as Rihanna performed a 13-minute set during the game’s halftime show.

Before the game, the 20-year-old also signed during actress Sheryl Lee Ralph’s performance of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Miles shined bright like a diamond during her performance, and Daily Nurse is proud to name Justina Miles our Nurse of the Week.

Miles is a nursing student and a cheerleader at Bowie State University in Maryland and was the valedictorian at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington, D.C., according to the NFL.

The Super Bowl isn’t Miles’ first musical performance. Hailing from Philadelphia, she has performed ASL renditions of concerts throughout the country, according to the National Association of the Deaf.

Miles spoke about the significance of singing the Black National Anthem, which many viewers may not have heard before.

“It’s not only for me to share this experience with the whole world, but to really bring that empowerment to millions and millions of Black deaf people all over the country, who’ve never really seen that before,” she says. “And so they should feel inspired, and that’s the same way I feel. I feel like that is truly lifting every voice, even my voice.”

Miles was one of several ASL performers who appeared at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona. Actor Troy Kotsur, who became the first deaf man to win an Oscar for his performance in 2021’s “CODA,” signed Chris Stapleton’s performance of the National Anthem.

Nominate a Nurse of the Week! Every Wednesday, DailyNurse.com features a nurse making a difference in the lives of their patients, students, and colleagues. We encourage you to nominate a nurse who has impacted your life as the next Nurse of the Week, and we’ll feature them online and in our weekly newsletter.

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Renee Hewitt

Editor & Content Strategist at Springer Publishing

Renee is the editor and content strategist for Daily Nurse. When enjoying life unplugged from the digital world, you'll find Renee on a trail taking wildlife photos or birdwatching.