African-American architects

[1][2] "The experience of being Black in architecture involves learning about a discipline that does not include the contributions of African American architects like Paul Revere Williams, Robert R. Taylor, Walter T. Bailey and Wallace Rayfield within the canons of the profession...

Jim Crow Laws enforced segregation of White and Blacks, therefore promoting direct racism.

Many African American architects working during and after this time period faced obstacles due to overt racism perpetuated by the society and culture of the United States.

[6] Julian Francis Abele (1881–1950), was the first African American to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Architecture (1902).

While another Trumbauer architect, Howell Lewis Shay, is credited with the building's plan and massing, the presentation drawings are in Abele's hand.

[11] It was not until after Trumbauer's death that Abele signed his architectural drawings, or claimed credit for being the main designer of Duke University's west campus.

In the 1900s, it was difficult for an African American man to receive a fair chance to become employed at a firm because of racism.

Some common setbacks faced by Sklarek included being denied entry into the world of architecture, and not receiving recognition for their work.

Norma Merrick Sklarek (1928–2012), was the first black woman to become a licensed architect in both New York state (1954) and in California (1962).

Sklarek collaborated with Cesar Pelli on projects that include the Pacific Design Center and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.