Weber Thompson’s Post

#BlackHistoryMonth. A month that holds a lot of meaning to a lot of people. Read below for some more of my insights on the subject ⬇️ #architecture #architects #designers #interiordesign #inclusivity #diversity #inclusivebuildings

https://lnkd.in/eXkqFKcd The extraordinary Es Devlin on the continuum of her work and the nature of her experiential design. 

Episode 22- Creating Your Well w/ Tiara Hughes This conversation was a fun one for me b/c I got to have an in depth conversation with Tiara Hughes. We cover the impact of attending a PWI (predominantly white institution). We also talk about how representation matters and how we both were impacted by having, or not having, black professors during our architecture studies. We discuss the different types of architectural degree programs and how different degrees impact when you can start taking your licensure exams. We touch on working through grief and how to create a support network so you can keep going. https://lnkd.in/gpwumi2z

"By and large, contemporary work designed by Black architects would not have been possible without the rich body of work created by America's first Black architects, all of whom were true pioneers—not just for design professions, but also for American society." Please follow this link to read about "15 Pioneering Black Architects Who Shaped America" >>> https://lnkd.in/dPTGEHj #BlackHistoryMonth #blackarchitects

Another important #blackhistorymonth story:

Presence has power- so does absence. This chat with the founders and officers of the Ohio Valley NOMA offers insights into what it's like to navigate a challenging career without a whole lot of role models that look like you. Hear the story of their career paths as well as what's so important to them about creating this chapter. LeStavion Beverly, Bryant Phares II, Assoc AIA, NOMA, Ashley Pinkard Belonging and feeling safe to show up as your authentic self are critical career resources many black architects don't have. It takes effort to consciously create them, but it takes more effort (that could be better spent on creative work) to cope without them. Don't wait for resources to come to you- seek out or form your own network whether through a formal organization like NOMA or an informal one. Talking about taking action is meaningless unless you actually take action. Building a pipeline for minority kids to a career in architecture is important. But it doesn't end with getting them in an architecture program. Outreach to students from the profession is critical to keeping them engaged. Mentorship is crucial. Be willing to ask for it and give it. Look at the presence of minorities in a firm, including whether those individuals are in leadership roles. Don't let yourself get pigeonholed into a production role. Ask for opportunities to grow and lead. CONTACT OHIO VALLEY NOMA: Instagram: https://lnkd.in/gpgpW4sB LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gMWQTkE4 Email: ohiovalleynoma@gmail.com Stay Inspired, Angela Join the architecting community: YouTube, Instagram,  LinkedIn, Clubhouse, Facebook Interested in sponsoring a show or having me as a guest on your podcast or community? Stop here to get information. Into/outro music Alive by Richard Wasson Copyright 2019

As we embark on another Black History Month, it's paramount to pay homage to the remarkable journey of Smoot Construction. Since its inception in 1946, resilience has illustrated our commitment to growth, and our guiding principle: C.H.I.P.P. (Character, Humility, Integrity, Pride and Performance). The steadfast belief in our values has allowed Smoot to become one of the largest black-owned construction business in the Midwest. For over seven decades, Smoot Construction has epitomized the unwavering spirit of determination and grit. Despite facing formidable obstacles and systemic challenges, this pioneering enterprise has remained solid in its commitment to excellence and community engagement. From humble beginnings, Smoot Construction's rise to prominence stands as a testament to the indomitable will of its founders and the following generations of trailblazers who have carried forth their legacy. Through adversity and triumph alike, they have forged a legacy rooted in integrity, innovation, and inclusivity. Beyond mere bricks and mortar, Smoot Construction has built bridges of opportunity, paving the way for countless individuals to realize their dreams and aspirations. Through partnerships, relationships, and community outreach, we continue to sow the seeds of today's opportunities, that will grow into tomorrow's success. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us reflect not only on the extraordinary contributions of Smoot Construction, but also the countless unsung heroes who have shaped our nation's landscape. May their stories inspire us to embrace diversity, champion equity, and strive for excellence in all our endeavors. We'll be sharing and celebrating the Smoot story all month. Comment below and share your favorite black-owned business, so we may all contribute to the success of others' growth. #blackhistorymonth #blackhistorymonth2024 #smootconstruction #celebratediversity #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbusinesses

"Black Architects, an Endangered Species" was written by Robert Traynham Cole, a Black architect, and published in the July 1989 issue of Progressive Architecture Magazine. In it, he states the following: "𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘈𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴, 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘢𝘴 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘶𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥." I came across this piece this morning and the timing couldn't be more relevant, as we are days away from the AIA installing its 100th President, Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, the first Black woman to hold this position in the organization's 166 years of existence. The value of the design profession comprising diverse persons has much less to do with optics and "politics", in my opinion, and more to do with design processes and outcomes that are intentional, creative, relevant, and transformative. It makes for a more sustainable practice that leans on the perspective, talents, and experiences of the many, and not on the predilections and biases of the few. The survival of our communities - and our practice - depends on this.

February is here! At TSW Wordsmith, LLC, we believe in recognizing the incredible contributions of pioneers who have shaped our world. This Black History Month, we turn the spotlight on Lewis Howard Latimer, an African American inventor, engineer, and draftsman, whose work in electrical technology has been pivotal to the advancements we see today. Illuminating the World: The Legacy of Lewis Latimer While Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell are household names, Lewis Latimer's role in the development of the incandescent light bulb and telephone technology is less known but equally significant. Latimer's 1881 patent for an improved carbon filament provided a longer-lasting and more efficient light bulb, making electric lighting more practical and affordable for widespread use. Beyond lighting, Latimer's inventive genius led to the creation of an early air conditioning unit and an improved sanitation system for railroad cars, enhancing the quality of life and comfort for many. Latimer's abilities extended into art and literature. He was an accomplished draftsman, contributing significantly to the patents of Edison and Bell. He also authored a book on electric lighting and was known for his poetry, showcasing his diverse skills and interests. Latimer's journey from the son of escaped slaves to a key figure in the technological revolution of his time is not just a story of personal triumph but also an inspiration. He broke barriers and overcame societal challenges, proving that talent and determination know no bounds. As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the remarkable achievements of Lewis Howard Latimer. His legacy is a reminder of the vital role that diversity and inclusion play in driving innovation and progress. Let's continue to celebrate and learn from the stories of those who have paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. #BlackHistoryMonth #Innovation #DiversityInSTEM #LewisHowardLatimer #InspiringInnovators