BLACK HISTORY MONTH + ARCHITECTURE
Amazingly, it is already February; more than Valentine’s Day, February is more known as Black History Month. But why is that important on your path to becoming an architect? More than anything, today’s essay will share resources on the topic.
Black History Month
https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov/
To start, we wish to note that the current AIA President, Kimberly Dowdell is the first African-American woman to serve in the position. Below is an earlier essay from the end of last year.
Plus, we profiled her as listed in our Career Profiles section under Resources.
https://www.archcareersguide.com/dowdell_k/
Aside from learning about Ms. Dowdell, read more about the most renown black architects in history.
10 Black Architects whose work have shaped America
https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/stories/black-architects/
Where are my people? Black in Architecture
https://www.acsa-arch.org/resource/where-are-my-people-black-in-architecture/
From the article above –
“Only 1.9% of architecture degrees accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or considered pre-professional were earned by Black women.”
Now, read what NCARB and NOMA are doing to remove obstacles on the path to becoming an architect.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Architecture Licensing
https://www.ncarb.org/about/related-organizations/baseline-belonging-report
Association
National Organization of Minority Architects – has as its mission the building of a strong national organization, strong chapters, and strong members for the purpose of minimizing the effect of racism in our profession.
Websites
Beyond the Built Environment – celebrates the contributions of diverse designers and advocates for equitable built environments and communities.
The Directory of African-American Architects – promotes an awareness of who African American architects are and where they are located.
First 500 – community of black women architects
Books
Dream Builder – Kelly Starling Lyons (2000)
Jamila Pearl: The Architect Girl – Kionna Louise (2023)
Maybe I’ll be an Architect – Tenille Bettenhausen (2002)
What is Architecture? – Water Block Kids
There are many additional books to help you learn about architecture!
Hip Hop Architecture – week-long experience designed to empower underrepresented youth to explore and excel in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and creative placemaking through the lens of hip hop culture.
Project Pipeline (NOMA) – mission is to empower young people to affect change in their community through design.
The above listed resources only scratch the surface. We strongly encourage you to search for additional resources on the topic of Black + Architecture. Regardless of who you are and where you are on the path to become an architect, consider introducing a young African-American to architecture.
Best and do enjoy Black History Month. Commit to doing something to celebrate it!