Architecture

Perspectives

Phil Freelon: Architecture as Cultural Memory

By R. Kofi Bempong

Phil Freelon used architecture to tell stories, shaping spaces that honor Black history and culture. From the National Museum of African American History and Culture to libraries and civil rights museums, his designs carried deep meaning. But his impact went beyond buildings…

Perspectives

First of Her Kind: The Trailblazing Life of Beverly Lorraine Greene

By R. Kofi Bempong

Beverly Lorraine Greene, the first African American woman licensed as an architect in the U.S., broke barriers in a field dominated by exclusion. From Chicago to Paris, her groundbreaking work on projects like UNESCO Headquarters and Stuyvesant Town paved the way for future generations.

Perspectives

Hilyard Robinson: A Visionary Architect of Social Change

By R. Kofi Bempong

Hilyard Robinson, a pioneering African American architect, reshaped public housing in the United States with his innovative, community-focused designs. His notable projects, including the Langston Terrace Dwellings and Aberdeen Gardens, exemplify his commitment to social reform and architectural excellence. Robinson's enduring legacy continues to influence and inspire future generations in the field of architecture.

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.

Perspectives

Architect to The Stars: Paul R. Williams

By R. Kofi Bempong

Discover Paul R. Williams, a trailblazing African American architect who reshaped American design. From the LAX Theme Building to celebrity homes, Williams' over 3,000 works blend modernism with Hollywood Regency.

Nexus Podcast

Ama Gisèle and RESOLVE Collective

Season 3, Episode 3: Ama Gisèle and Resolve Collective’s Akil and Seth Scafe-Smith offer a candid exploration that challenges traditional boundaries in art, architecture, and filmmaking, all while pondering the future of design and its impact on inclusive spaces.