#UNSEEN: Honoring Black Community
Urban Design Perspectives celebrated Black History Month by recognizing the unseen faces within our Minneapolis community. We used this time to reflect on the milestones and took steps to seek out inspirational people. With the start of each month, our firm takes time for reflection as we set our intentions for the coming weeks. February was no different as we set goals to continue expanding our knowledge of people that have made significant impacts on social justice. At Urban Design Perspectives, we seek to continue our growth, both personal and professional through the encouragement of our continued education. Learning about the history of our community via the University of Minnesota project Mapping Prejudice as well as utilizing our firm’s book club to inspire new methods of serving our community were just a few ways this continued education pushed us forward this month.
UDP kicked off the month continuing our book club with a book by Josie Johnson, titled Hope in the Struggle. In this memoir, she recounts her journey through social and political activism for justice and equality. Known for her monumental contributions to civil rights, she tells us her story as she reflects on the values instilled in her at an early age and how they carried on with her throughout her life. This book has several major themes, one of them being the importance of staying true to your values. As a citizen who saw many injustices growing up Josie Johnson decided that there needed to be a change and that she would be the one to do it. Another major theme throughout her story has been the importance of community. Josie Johnson has always stayed true to her commitment to maintaining generosity for those around her and speaking out when there is wrongdoing. One of her major contributions to civil rights was her significant role in the implementation of the Fair Housing Act passed in 1962. This was a bill that addressed the inequality in accessibility to housing and discouraged discrimination within the housing market. Josie’s advocacy for fair and equal housing opportunities brings to light periods in history where this was a severe issue throughout the Twin Cities. The University of Minnesota’s project Mapping Prejudice sheds light on these issues she was combating by unearthing the racial covenants that systematically restricted home ownership for people of color. Josie Johnson’s strong moral values and inspiring words have sparked dialogue and reflection within our firm as we continue aligning our values with our practice, evaluating how we are serving our community and maintaining a commitment to recognizing the unseen forces that have shaped who we are today.
This book has been a significant tool for our growth as we continue to assure that we are doing our best to seek work that is meaningful, intentional and beneficial to the communities we serve. As this month wraps up, our momentum will continue to move us forward as we maintain a journey of growth and achievement.
Pressing forward,
Jessica
#UNSEEN