What's Happening?
Fisk University in Nashville has been awarded a grant from the Getty Foundation to preserve Park-Johnson Hall, a building designed by Moses McKissack III in 1954. This initiative is part of the Conserving
Black Modernism program, which aims to protect significant sites designed by Black architects. The program, established in 2022, has distributed over $4.85 million in funding to various projects. Park-Johnson Hall, a modernist structure with a red brick facade, houses classrooms and administrative spaces. The grant will aid in developing a preservation plan and documenting the work of McKissack & McKissack, the oldest Black-owned architecture firm in the U.S.
Why It's Important?
The preservation of Park-Johnson Hall is significant as it highlights the contributions of Black architects to American architecture. This initiative not only protects historical structures but also promotes the recognition of underrepresented groups in the field of architecture. By preserving such sites, the program helps maintain cultural heritage and educates the public about the historical and architectural significance of these buildings. The funding also supports the broader effort to document and celebrate Black excellence in design and resilience.
