racial justice resources

In 2020, we are witnessing an unprecedented heightened global awareness of the need for racial justice. This heightened awareness comes as we bear witness to continual assaults on black communities in America which are then followed by continual cries for justice, reform, equity, inclusion. As the AIA National Board statement on systemic racial injustice affirms, we are committed to efforts to ensure that our profession is part of the solution that finally dismantles systemic racial injustice and violence -- the legacy of one of the United States’ original sins, slavery.

This list of resources will grow and evolve over time. It is not intended to be finite or all-encompassing, but rather it is a step towards promoting awareness and encouraging action. The organizations listed are already combating racial injustice and we encourage all to research further, donate, lend support, self-educate, and take action. Join the efforts to dismantle systemic racism and violence.

From National:

https://www.aia.org/pages/6303978-future-forward

Future forward

Moving justice and racial and gender equity decisively from aspiration to action

Last updated: September 2, 2020

Harnessing the passion of our members and the broader design community, AIA is taking steps to advance racial justice and equity in our organization, in our profession, and in our communities. It will do so in the following ways:

Dismantle barriers within all AIA systems: governance, honors and awards, internal policies, vendor selection, hiring/retention, and any business practice that intentionally or unintentionally contributes to injustice and exclusion (policies, practices and programs).
Expand inclusiveness and diversity within the profession through K-12 and higher education engagements and advocate for effective pathways into the profession. Expand the participation of racially and ethnically diverse populations, women and other underrepresented groups.
Conduct training, and enhance education and knowledge dissemination, and increase the number of high-quality new resources for the Board, staff, volunteers and members.
Ensure alignment with AIA 2021-2025 strategic plan.

As we finalize details and timelines for our plans moving forward, we will update this page with regular news of our progress. We have no illusions about the scope of the challenge. Fully living up to our highest ideals and values won’t happen overnight, but neither can it wait another day.

Equity focused resources

These resources represent just a few tools to help bridge the gap between complacency and knowledge, between knowledge and action, and between action and progress.

We invite you to contact us at feedback@aia.org to suggest additional resources.

Identity

Racism

Firm culture

Opportunities

Take action

Understanding identity

National Museum of African American History and Culture: Talking About Race

Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture's website for resources on race, including a history on the foundations of race, addressing bias, and community building.

NMAAHC: Talking About Race >

National Museum of the American Indian: Essential Understandings

Explore the National Museum of the American Indian’s Framework for Essential Understandings, which outlines key concepts about the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary lives of Native Peoples. These concepts tell untold stories about American Indians that can expand your knowledge of history, geography, civics, economics, science, engineering, and other subject areas.

NMAI: Essential Understandings >

Smithsonian Latino Center

Visit the Smithsonian Latino Center to learn about Latinx history and culture, including an overview of influential Latinos, bilingual materials for the classroom, a virtual museum toolkit for educators, and more.

Smithsonian Latino Center >

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center is a museum without walls, presenting history, art, and culture through digital initiatives. Visit their site to attend their new educational web series breaking down Asian Pacific American bias, or to explore the digital storytelling initiative that presents and preserves Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander stories, plus much more.

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center >

National Museum of American History: LGBTQ History >

LGBTQ+ history is a part of American history that the National Museum of American History has been documenting since its founding. Explore the museum's online resources, news releases, exhibitions, and collections.

National Museum of American History: Disability Rights Movement

The National Museum of American History explores the Disability Rights Movement, looking at the efforts of people with disabilities, plus their family and friends, to secure civil rights guaranteed to all Americans.

National Museum of American History: Disability Rights Movement >

Please note third-party resources are provided for informational purposes and represent the views of the respective organizations.

AIA Board Statement on systemic racial injustice >

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