Thanks to the Los Angeles Conservancy for noting the birthday of the great Paul Revere Williams, who was born February 18, 1894. Williams was the first Black architect recognized by the American Institute of Architects. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of Williams joining the AIA. Williams forever changed the game for architects of color across the country, and his impact on L.A.’s built environment can still be seen and felt today, explained the Conservancy in its Instagram post.
To celebrate this legend, you can download the Conservancy’s free driving tour of Paul R. Williams’ most important works and experience his genius up close. Some his most wonderful residential project are right here in Hancock Park!
But that’s not all. You can also learn more about Williams’ life and career on Wednesday, February 22 at 6 p.m. with a virtual tour called Building Community: Pioneering Black Architects in LA. In addition to learning about Williams and how his barrier-breaking career impacted other African American architects and the profession, the one-hour virtual history tour will feature the stories of Norma Merrick Sklarek, Robert Kennard, and many more, illustrating their significant contributions and why it’s important for architects to understand and represent the communities for which they design buildings.
The tour travels through five different Los Angeles neighborhoods and cities, beginning in Beverly Hills and ending in the City of Compton, giving you knowledge and a greater appreciation of how Black architects shaped Los Angeles and influenced communities through advocacy and architecture.” The cost is $12 general public and $8 for Conservancy members.
About Patricia Lombard
Patricia Lombard is the co-editor and publisher of the Larchmont Buzz. Patty lives with her family in Fremont Place. She has been active in neighborhood issues since moving here in 1989. Her pictorial history, "Larchmont" for Arcadia Press is available at Chevalier's Books.
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