Today In Black History: Sir David Frank Adjaye, OM OBE
Sir Adjaye is an internationally renowned architect and the designer of the Smithsonian National African American Museum in DC.
Issue #783 Today In Black History, Wednesday, January 8, 2025
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Keith and I visited the Smithsonian National African American Museum in Washington, D.C., a few years ago. It was amazing and a “must-see” for all.
Until this museum opened, the Charles H. Wright African American Museum was the largest in the United States. It is also a “must-see” when you visit Detroit.
I only recently found out that the Smithsonian Museum was designed by an internationally renowned architect of African ancestry.
Sir David Frank Adjaye is renowned in contemporary architecture, with innovative designs and a commitment to cultural representation. With a career of over three decades, Adjaye's contributions have redefined the architectural landscape and embraced diversity, history, and community.
David Adjaye was born to Ghanaian parents on September 22, 1966, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Adjaye’s father, Affram, was a diplomat whose work took the family worldwide to places such as Kampala, Nairobi, Cairo, Beirut, Accra, and Jeddah. His family's frequent relocations across Africa and the Middle East exposed him to a rich tapestry of cultural and architectural traditions.
Adjaye pursued his architectural studies at the London South Bank University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. He furthered his education at the Royal College of Art in London, earning a Master of Arts in 1993.
In 2000, Adjaye established Adjaye Associates. His work is celebrated for its innovative use of materials, sensitivity to context, and an acute awareness of the socio-cultural dimensions of architecture.
One of Adjaye's most renowned accomplishments is the design of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C. Its intricate corona design, inspired by the three-tiered crowns used in Yoruban art and bronze lattice facade masterfully combine to honor and elevate African American history and culture.
Adjaye's influence includes residential projects, such as the Sugar Hill Development in Harlem, New York, and the affordable housing project Dirty House in London, which showcases his commitment to creating inclusive urban spaces that address social needs and nurture community spirit.
In 2017, Adjaye was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to architecture, which reflected his significant impact on the field.
Sir Adjaye's work has earned him a spot on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people of 2017. In 2021, he received the 2021 RIBA Royal Gold Medal.
Sir Adjaye’s projects are not just buildings but narratives that capture the essence of culture and identity. They challenge conventional boundaries and inspire a new generation of architects.
His ongoing work includes the UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in London and numerous other international projects.
According to his website, Sir Adjaye believes that his architecture is “a social act”—constructing buildings that acknowledge and understand their histories while creating something entirely new to serve communities into the future.
Today In Black History
In 1867, legislation was passed giving voting rights to Black men in the District of Columbia, overriding President Andrew Johnson's veto.
In 1867, Howard Theological Seminary became Howard University, named in honor of General Oliver O. Howard, a Freedman’s Bureau leader and Civil War hero.
In 1977, Rev. Pauli Murray was ordained as the first Black woman Episcopal priest in the United States.
In 1966, Willie Lewis Brown was sworn in as the first Black mayor of San Francisco, California.
In 2008, New Jersey became the first Northern state to apologize for slavery.
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