Black Americans Who Have Shaped the Construction Industry

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and share stories of Black Americans who have shaped the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.  AGC of California, Hensel Phelps and others highlight the work and stories of past and present Black Americans who have blazed a trail within the construction industry.

Black Americans Who Have Shaped the Construction Industry
Alice Parker, revolutionary and inventor. Photo courtesy of AGC of California.

From highly useful inventions created and patented by Black Americans – like refrigerated delivery trucks, automatic elevator doors, and the central heating furnace – to today’s construction leaders making an impact each day, there is a lot to celebrate.

Explore the contributions and cultural impact on our industry by visiting these sites:
AGC-CA: Past, Present, and Future – Black Americans Shaping the Construction Industry
Hensel Phelps: Building Together – Black History Month
Construct Your Future: Black History in the Trades
Turner Construction Company: Turner Celebrates Black History Month
The History of African Americans in Construction

Black Americans Who Have Shaped the Construction Industry
Paul Revere Williams became known for designing major buildings in So. Cal., including the space-aged LAX Theme Building at the Los Angeles International Airport, and over 2,000 homes in the hills throughout Los Angeles. Many beautiful residences in Hollywood were created by Paul Williams. Photo courtesy of Los Angeles World Airports.

Here are links to some of America’s most notable Black architects who paved the way for today’s minority builders.
15 Important African American Architects
Six Black Icons That Impacted the AEC Industry

 

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