Black History Month: The Black Women Fellows of AIA

During our celebration of Black History Month, we highlighted Black Women Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Individuals achieving fellow within AIA represent 3% of the profession.  For Black women, this small but mighty group counts amongst the only 500 Black licensed women out of 119,000 architects in the United States.  We have some work to do here!

 Some of these women have been my role models and have paved the way for me and so many others.  Their presence and encouragement gave me the courage and inspiration to keep moving toward my dream of being an architect and now recently inducted Fellow.

·      Cheryl McAfee was the first Black woman architect I met more than 30 years ago at a National Organization of Minority Architects Conference when I was a graduate student. 

·      Roberta Washington designed projects for a childcare agency in NYC that was led by my aunt.

·      Being a part of “Beyond the Built Environment” exhibits, founded and curated by Pascale Sablan, has been a precious gift to be included with other designers of color. 

·      Learn about other trailblazing Black women architects: Norma Merrick Sklarek, Dina Griffin, Ivenhue Love-Stanley, Zena Howard, Gabrielle Bullock, Dr. Sharon Egretta Sutton, Kathy Denise Dixon, Allison Grace Williams, Kathryn Tyler Prigmore, Saundra Little by clicking here.

We celebrate the accomplishments of these Black Women Fellows as they represent bridge builders to equity while expanding access for all.   Thank you for your courage and perseverance when many of you were the first or only.  Thank you for demonstrating excellence in the built environment for our communities.  Thank you for shepherding and mentoring others.  Thank you for challenging norms and breaking barriers as your presence gives hope for our next generation of architects.  Your work is seen, valued, and elevated!