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Livingstone hosts We Built Exhibit Celebrating NC Black Architects

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Livingstone College celebrated the opening of traveling exhibit, “We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina,” on Thursday, February 1, 2024 in the Shipman Science Building with noted architect and politician, Harvey Gantt. As headliner of the series, Livingstone’s president Dr. Anthony J. Davis regarded Gantt as “a genius, a gentleman, and a gift,” referencing the multiple constructions authored by Gantt, his contributions to iconic culture and people, and his work in the political arena.

In presentation, Gantt showcased his architectural handiwork and his strategy with partner Jeffrey Huberman on how to be deliberate when creating diverse employment opportunities. Gantt stated,” If you want diversity [in architecture], you must be intentional about it. Women, people of color – and if you’re looking for colors – you don’t go to North Dakota. You go to North Carolina A&T, Tuskegee, Howard.”


Moreover, Gantt recalled discriminatory times he faced but encouraged others to keep believing and trying. He said, “Sometimes it wasn’t easy to get a project. I’d show up and suddenly the job was unavailable. The feeling of being qualified and not getting it. Never let rejection because of race ruin your pursuit. There are enough good folks in America who will appreciate your talent.”

In the audience sat former employee of Harvey Gantt, Mayor of Salisbury Karen Alexander. Alexander expressed gratitude for Gantt giving her the opportunity to develop as a budding architect and inspiring her to start her own architectural firm. Alexander said, “Thank you for all the opportunities you gave me. You are a man of dreams who inspires others to have dreams.”

Depicting more than 300 years of craftsmanship, the “We Built This” exhibit celebrates the history and legacy of Black builders and craftspeople in the state of North Carolina, showcasing more than two dozen personal profiles and historic context on significant topics including slavery and Reconstruction; the founding of Black churches and Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs); Jim Crow and segregation; and the rise of Black civic leaders and professionals.

Free and open to the public until February 29, 2024, the exhibit is housed in Andrew Carnegie Library and sponsored by Preservation North Carolina, Historic Salisbury Foundation, Livingstone College, and Rowan Public Library. Tour hours are Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Visitors are asked to register by emailing jcockerl@livingstone.edu.

Livingstone College, We Built This, Celebrating, NC Black Architects

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