BSA News

Feb 24, 2021

BSA Staff Picks: Black History Month

Image courtesy BSA Staff

We hope you have taken some time during this Black History Month to celebrate the work and stories of Black designers. Take a look at the BSA staff picks and please share your favorite articles, podcasts, videos, stories, and people with us. Although this month draws to a close, we all aim to celebrate the work, stories, and history of Black creatives every day of the year.

To submit a resource or share an experience related to Black history, culture, and/or architecture, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Articles

A Brief History: The National Organization of Minority Architects

Pascale Sablan AIA writes about the history and founding of NOMA.

"That [Most] Exceptional One": Early Black Female Architects

Fewer than 2% of practicing physicians are Black women, not too far off from architecture, where .4% of registered architects are Black women.

7 Books You Need to Read on the Intersection of Race and Architecture in America

Now more than ever, it’s important to understand the history of racism endemic to our built environment. Only then can we reject it and build a better future.

99% Invisible | Freedom House Ambulance Service

Two of the world's first paramedics were Black men. This story tells the history of the profession and its ties to Black communities in Pittsburgh, PA.

Saving a Triple Decker with Family History

This Old House tackles the renovation of a fire-damaged “triple-decker” in Dorchester, MA.

Artist Ada Pinkston Asks 'What Would A Monument To All People Look Like?'

In 2016, artist Ada Pinkston started asking people to share their thoughts on what monuments should look like in the future.

The New Empowerment

Michael Murphy and Alan Ricks of MASS Design Group have a vision for how architects can better serve their clients and communities by exploring and embracing the social and political implications of design.

Architects, Designers and Planners: #BlackLivesMatter and You Must Speak Up!

Michael Ford calls on architects to respond to the continued, unprovoked and senseless murders of Black people in public spaces.

Multi-Media

Segregated By Design from Silkworm on Vimeo.

The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song

An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song will explore the 400-year-old story of the black church in America, the changing nature of worship spaces, and the men and women who shepherded them from the pulpit, the choir loft, and church pews.

panAFRICAproject: Redefining the Modern Image of Africa

The mission of panAFRICAproject is to create a contemporary visual portrait of modern Africa. Using photography, & heretofore unavailable technologies, the intention is to establish a repository of images that represents each of the 54 individual countries devoid of the preconceived, western notions of distress: conflict, pestilence and poverty, i.e. violence tourism.

The History of White People in America

The History of White People in America is a series of 16 animated, musical shorts that reveal the history of race in America — from the 17th century to the 21st.

Exhibitions

Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle

Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle is the first museum exhibition of the series of paintings Struggle: From the History of the American People (1954–56) by the best known black American artist of the 20th century, Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000).

Reconstructions: Architecture and Blackness in America

The exhibition and accompanying publication will examine contemporary architecture in the context of how systemic racism has fostered violent histories of discrimination and injustice in the United States.

Resources, Organizations, & More

BosNOMA

BosNOMA, Boston chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and supports the organization's mission to "champion diversity within the design professions by promoting the excellence, community engagement, and professional development of its members."

BSA's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) Network

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Network is a place for individuals in the design industry to engage in meaningful conversations; support, promote, and build awareness; and to share best practices related to issues of EDI within the profession.

BIPOC Studios

This constantly updated list of Black/Indigenous/People of Color (BIPOC) designers indicates if a studio is Black or woman owned, as well as location and hiring status. Know of studios not listed? Submit additions to [email protected].

Rebuild Foundation

Rebuild Foundation is a platform for art, cultural development, and neighborhood transformation. Our projects support artists and strengthen communities by providing free arts programming, creating new cultural amenities, and developing affordable housing, studio, and live-work space.

Beyond the Built

Engages community through architecture to advocate equitable, reflectively diverse environments.