In 1968, activist and executive director of the National Urban League, Whitney Young was invited to address the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention in Portland, Oregon as the keynote speaker.

[2] In his speech, he addressed the institute's silent stance on the turmoil in the country and urged them to stand up and endorse the efforts of John F. Kennedy & Martin Luther King Jr. in their actions.

[3] This speech encouraged the profession to work towards the advancement of minority architects,[4] who, at the time, made up of 0.05% of AIA's 20,000 members.

[6] The organization aimed to promote and advocate for black architects and their work through networking opportunities and education.

[12] There are four regions that lead state and local chapters and facilitate communication between those and national leadership.