--- title: "Rendering Visible: The Black Architectural Imagination" description: We are celebrating black history month by discussing architects sharing their perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our profession and beyond. image: https://www.pirieassociates.com/hubfs/YSH003102_Pin-for-the-National-Association-of-Coloured-Womens-Clubs.jpg --- [![Pirie Associates Architects in New Haven, CT](https://www.pirieassociates.com/hubfs/images/pirie-associates-architects-in-new-haven-ct-1.png)](https://www.pirieassociates.com) # Rendering Visible: The Black Architectural Imagination **Date:** Feb 14, 2023 1:51:17 PM [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pirieassociates.com%2Fblog%2Fblack-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pirieassociates.com%2Fblog%2Fblack-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pirieassociates.com%2Fblog%2Fblack-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pirieassociates.com%2Fblog%2Fblack-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Rendering%20Visible%3A%20The%20Black%20Architectural%20Imagination) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pirieassociates.com%2Fblog%2Fblack-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.hubspot.com%2Fhub%2F158015%2F305390_10100548508246879_837195_59275782_6882128_n.jpg) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pirieassociates.com%2Fblog%2Fblack-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pirieassociates.com%2Fblog%2Fblack-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) By: [Laura Meade](https://www.pirieassociates.com/laura-meade-at-pirie-associates-architects-connecticut) Architecture is thought of as a discipline that is removed from the political and social issues of our time, but a growing number of architects are challenging this notion, using their work to address issues of social justice and equity. Our firm would like to celebrate Black History Month by calling attention to the work and legacy of several architects, organizations and museums. Laura Pirie is a member of The National Organization of Minority Architects ([NOMA](https://www.noma.net/)), whose platform [Voices](https://www.noma.net/voices/) is for members and partners to share their perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the architecture profession. The program features podcasts, webinars, and other events that aim to promote dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy for underrepresented groups in the field of architecture. The Smithsonian [National Museum of African American History & Culture](https://nmaahc.si.edu/) has a wonderful [Collection Story](https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/building-better-future) celebrating five important African American architects. They have an [initiative](https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/rendering-visible-submissions) to expand their [searchable art collection](https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/collection/search?edan_q=*:*&edan_fq%5b%5d=topic:%22Architecture%22&edan_local=1&op=Search).  From [Walter Hood's](https://www.hooddesignstudio.com/) public parks and memorials known for their emphasis on community engagement and social justice to [Sharon Sutton, FAIA's](https://www.fordhampress.com/9780823276127/when-ivory-towers-were-black/) scholarship on race, gender, and social justice in architecture, a new generation of architects is making a case for the importance of activism in their field. For these architects, design is not just about aesthetics or function, but about creating spaces that promote inclusivity, access, and empowerment.   ###### ![paper monuments](https://www.pirieassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/paper%20monuments.jpg?width=1283&height=455&name=paper%20monuments.jpg)*Image Credit: Paper Monuments, Colloqate*   Designer [Bryan Lee Jr.](https://colloqate.org/) and architect [Sekou Cooke](http://www.sekoucooke.com/) are taking this a step further, using their skills to create projects that directly address issues of racial and social inequality. Bryan Lee Jr.'s firm Colloqate Design, a multidisciplinary practice focusing on social justice and community empowerment, created [Paper Monuments](https://colloqate.org/paper-monuments), a public art and history project designed to elevate the voices of people in New Orleans. Sekou Cooke's book [Hip-Hop Architecture](https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/hiphop-architecture-9781350116146/) written about his revolutionary program, [Hip-Hop Architecture Camp,](https://www.hiphoparchitecture.com/) which engages young people in the design of their own communities, is an example of how architects can use their expertise to create projects that reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. At a time when the built environment is becoming increasingly privatized and unequal, the importance of activism in architecture cannot be overstated. Communities continue to face issues of displacement, environmental and racial injustice, and economic inequality. Architects have a responsibility to create spaces reflecting the needs and aspirations of those who live there. As more architects embrace this mission, we can look forward to a future where design serves the needs of all people, regardless of background or circumstance.   [Click here for a list of local Black History Month events from the CT Land Conservation Council](https://ctconservation.org/black-history-month-events-ct-go-learn-enjoy/)   Top Image Credit: Pin from the National Association of Coloured Women’s Club (NACWC) from [The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture](https://nmaahc.si.edu/) ## Related Materials ### Blog [![47515595971_491c210686_o](https://www.pirieassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/47515595971_491c210686_o.jpg?width=4625&height=2250&name=47515595971_491c210686_o.jpg)](https://www.pirieassociates.com/blog/national-mentoring-month) [National Mentorship Month](https://www.pirieassociates.com/blog/national-mentoring-month) ### Blog [![laura ](https://www.pirieassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/laura%20crop.jpg?width=623&height=376&name=laura%20crop.jpg)](https://www.pirieassociates.com/blog/fullcirclemagic) [Full Circle Magic](https://www.pirieassociates.com/blog/fullcirclemagic) ### Blog [![headerimage-1](https://www.pirieassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/headerimage-1.jpg?width=623&height=376&name=headerimage-1.jpg)](https://www.pirieassociates.com/blog/reflections-on-why-and-how) [Reflecting on Why and How](https://www.pirieassociates.com/blog/reflections-on-why-and-how) ### LEARN. INSPIRE. CREATE. ### Recent Posts ![author avatar](https://www.pirieassociates.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/meade_website_photo.jpg) ### This post was written by [Laura Meade](https://www.pirieassociates.com/blog/author/laura-meade) Laura Meade, RA, is a project architect at Pirie Associates. #### Connect with Laura [![linkedIn](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/298925/file-1297413416-png/Streamlined_2/social_media/linkedIn.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-e-meade/) ## Learn. Inspire. Create. Subscribe to the Pirie Associates Architects blog. Copyright 2026 Pirie Associates Architects. All Rights Reserved. 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