Activism

Efforts to promote, impede, direct, or intervene in social, political, economic, or environmental reform with the desire to make changes in society.

Perspectives

Elizabeth Keckley: The Silent Couturier of the White House

By R. Kofi Bempong

Born into slavery, Keckley's early life was marred by hardships that would have defeated many. Yet, with a spirit as enduring as the fabrics she mastered, Keckley's nimble hands, which once labored under the oppressive burden of servitude, stitched together a future of freedom and distinction.

Perspectives

The Rosa Parks of Architecture: Norma Merrick Sklarek

By R. Kofi Bempong

Explore the inspiring journey of Norma Merrick Sklarek, the 'Rosa Parks of architecture,' in this compelling narrative. From her early days in Harlem to becoming the first African American woman licensed as an architect in New York, Sklarek's story is one of resilience and brilliance.

Nexus Podcast

Lesley Lokko

Season 2, Episode 9: Lesley Lokko delves into the relationship between fiction writing and Architecture and breaks down the role of the school in preparing future architects.

Nexus Podcast

Dana McKinney

Season 2, Episode 8: We learn from Dana McKinney how her commitment to activism has been integral to her architectural practice and education.

Nexus Podcast

The Nexus X Black in Design

Season 2, Episode 7: The Nexus goes live with Black in Design 2021: Black Matter! We reflect on two panels held on October 9th with attendees of the Black in Design conference.

Nexus Podcast

Tiara Hughes

Season 2, Episode 4: Tiara Hughes calls for equity across the architecture community, with an emphasis on increasing initiatives that focus on education and mentorship.

StoryMaps

Twin Cities StoryMap

This AADN StoryMap reckons with the spatial contexts of the police killings of Philando Castile in 2016 and George Floyd in 2020 and investigates the structural role of the built environment in the Twin Cities.

Nexus Podcast

Rob Problak Gibbs

Season 2, Episode 3: Rob Problak Gibbs details how his origins as a graffiti writer and practice as a muralist have shaped the ways in which he engages with his community through the built environment.

Nexus Podcast

Justin Garrett Moore

Season 2, Episode 2: Justin Garrett Moore shares the history of Urban Patch and the importance of expanding the archive of Architectural history to include marginalized voices.

Nexus Podcast

Isabel Strauss

Season 1, Episode 7: Isabel Strauss, a current GSD student, discusses her thesis, which takes the shape of a Request for Proposals to address paths to reparations for Black communities in Chicago's South Side.