ARCH 418 Black Architects Seminar
Morgan State University | School of Architecture and Planning
Project 1
1923 marked the first year an African American (Paul Revere Williams, FAIA) became a licensed architect in
the United States of America. Although Black architects have been practicing in the America since 1865, they
lack a prominent presence in history books, popular culture, or even in a modern day architectàcommon
knowledge. Blacks comprise 7% of the student population in architectural education within schools of
architecture in the nation, 2% of the professional practice in architecture and only 60 of 6,000 architecture
professors in the nation.
This research project delves into the history of MarylandàEarly Black architects who, despite all odds against
them, became the first to study, practice, and register and establish architectural offices in the state of
Maryland. Who were they? Where did they study? Where did they go on to practice? These early Black
architects paved the way for the current and future Black architects, designers, and even working
professionals as a whole. Researching these Black architects unique journeys to licensure and beyond
recognizes the adversity they faced and celebrates the remarkable accomplishments they made.
ƒonduct primary research to uncover stories and structures of MarylandàEarly Black Architects
practicing prior to 1970 at the Enoch Pratt Central Library Maryland Room, Maryland Historical Society,
the Maryland State Archives, and the AIA National Archives.
artner with the Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Historic Architects’oundtable of the Baltimore Architecture Foundation.
ˆave your research displayed for African American History Month.
Early Black Architects whom shaped the Architectural Practice of Maryland prior to 1970 include (selective
listing based on the Business Tree of Sulton Campbell Britt & Associates, P.C.):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
LeRoy Miller Campbell
John Dennis Sulton
Edward W. Taylor
Henry Livas
Hillyard R. Robinson
Vertner Woodson Tandy
Paul Revere Williams
8. McKissack & McKissack (Calvin)
9. Warren Gray, Jr.
10. Charles Cassell
11. Martha Cassell
12. Alberta Cassell
13. Albert Irving Cassell
14. Ralph Victor Cook
Prepare a Biographical Sketch of the Early Black Architect assigned to you.
Who were they (include a photo, full name, birth/death, education, practice background)?
What journals, magazines, newspapers, books, museum exhibits, public lectures, films, etc. &requent their
works?

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