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Civil Rights

A class of rights that protect individuals’ freedom from infringement by governments, social organizations, and private individuals. They ensure one’s entitlement to participate in the civil and political life of the society and state without discrimination or repression.

Perspectives

Claiming Open Spaces

By Michael Bryan II

"Claiming Open Spaces" unearths the hidden stories of urban parks in African American communities—places of cultural identity, expression, and unexpected struggle. Through the voices of community members and the lens of history, Austin Allen reveals both the beauty and the battles behind spaces like Franklin Park. But what happens when these cherished places are threatened by powerful interests?

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.

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.

StoryMaps

Walter Hood StoryMap

This AADN StoryMap investigates Places through the lens of the work of Walter Hood and social art and design practice Hood Design Studio, Inc.

StoryMaps

Harlem, NYC StoryMap

By tracing Black-designed places in Harlem, this StoryMap highlights the importance of Black urbanists in shaping Harlem’s historical and contemporary identities.

Nexus Podcast

Michelle Joan Wilkinson

Season 1, Episode 4: Dr. Michelle Joan Wilkinson discusses the systems of power embedded in architectural design and her work as a curator documenting diasporic architectural heritage.

Nexus Podcast

Bryan Lee, Jr.

Season 1, Episode 3: Bryan Lee Jr. joins us to continue our conversation with De Nichols about the #DesignAsProtest collective and Dark Matter University.

Nexus Podcast

De Nichols

Season 1, Episode 2: Activist and social practice artist De Nichols discusses the origins of the #DesignAsProtest movement and how design can be a tool to dismantle white supremacist logics.

Feature

Hayden Plaza

Interfacing with public space and communities is more of a personal design ethos and agenda as opposed to an industry norm.  Considering how contentious public space can be, a designer who steps up to the task of designing with the...