Aaron Brown Myers (1871-1959) was an African American architect whose groundbreaking designs and advocacy for equal access to housing left an enduring mark on architecture and urban planning.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 25, 1871, Myers was the eldest of four children. His passion for architecture emerged at a young age, and he enrolled in the Tuskegee Institute's Architectural Department in 1894. There, he studied under the renowned educator and inventor Booker T. Washington.
After graduating in 1897, Myers relocated to New York City, where he worked for the architectural firm of Whitney Warren & Charles D. Wetmore. In 1904, he became the first African American accepted into the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Throughout his career, Myers designed numerous residential and commercial buildings, including:
Myers recognized the importance of accessible and equitable housing for the African American community. He actively participated in the National Urban League and served on the New York State Commission on Housing and Regional Planning.
His advocacy and expertise contributed to the development of legislation addressing housing discrimination and promoting affordable housing.
Myers's architectural and social contributions earned him widespread recognition:
Aaron Brown Myers's legacy extends beyond his individual architectural achievements. His contributions to architecture and urban planning have had a profound impact on:
Recognizing and embracing the legacy of Aaron Brown Myers has numerous benefits:
We can continue to honor Aaron Brown Myers's legacy by:
By embracing his legacy, we celebrate the transformative power of architecture and advocate for a more just and equitable society.
Building | Location | Completion Year |
---|---|---|
St. Mark's Methodist Episcopal Church | Harlem, New York | 1905 |
McAlpin Hotel | Herald Square, New York | 1912 |
The Whitman Homes | Brooklyn, New York | 1916 |
Renaissance Apartments | Harlem, New York | 1922 |
Y.W.C.A. Central Branch | Harlem, New York | 1928 |
Organization | Role | Impact |
---|---|---|
National Urban League | Member | Advocated for housing equality and access |
New York State Commission on Housing and Regional Planning | Commissioner | Shaped legislation addressing housing discrimination and affordable housing |
American Institute of Architects (AIA) | First African American member and Fellow | Pioneered diversity and representation in the profession |
Year | Honor | Significance |
---|---|---|
1924 | Honorary Doctorate from Howard University | First African American to receive an honorary doctorate from a major university |
1991 | AIA College of Fellows | Inducted into the highest honor bestowed by the AIA |
2001 | Aaron Brown Myers Community Center | Established in his honor to serve the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem |
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