The Liverpool Architecture Foundation – Black History Month 2022

As part of their celebrations for Black History Month 2022, the Liverpool Architecture Foundation commissioned KUMACON to deliver an online seminar entitled “Understanding the Past to Shape the Future”.

At KUMACON, we believe that it is vital to continue to highlight the work of Black architects both past and present because when asked to think of Black people who have influenced and are influencing the field of architecture, most people are unable to name anyone other than Sir David Adjaye.

Whilst it is right to celebrate and acknowledge Adjaye's achievements, we must endeavour to understand the rich pantheon of Black architects who paved the way for change-makers like Sir Adjaye to do what they are doing today. By not only facing but overcoming fierce racism, the Black architects of the past created space in the profession for the Black architects of today who, unfortunately, are still facing obstacles in holding that space.