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Aaron Brown Myers: A Legacy of Architectural Excellence and Inclusivity

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.

Early Life and Education

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.

Architectural Career

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:

St. Mark's Methodist Episcopal Church (1905), one of Harlem's oldest surviving African American churches
McAlpin Hotel (1912), a grand hotel in Herald Square
The Whitman Homes (1916), a housing development in Brooklyn designed to provide affordable housing for African Americans

Housing Advocacy and Urban Planning

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.

Legacy and Recognition

Myers's architectural and social contributions earned him widespread recognition:

In 1924, he became the first African American to receive an honorary doctorate from a major university (Howard University).
In 1991, he was inducted into the AIA College of Fellows.
In 2001, the Aaron Brown Myers Community Center was established in his honor in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem.

Why Aaron Brown Myers Matters

Aaron Brown Myers's legacy extends beyond his individual architectural achievements. His contributions to architecture and urban planning have had a profound impact on:

Equal access to housing: His advocacy and designs helped break down barriers to homeownership and affordable housing for African Americans.
Urban development: His involvement in urban planning influenced the design and development of neighborhoods, promoting equity and inclusivity.
Architectural education and diversity: Myers's presence in the AIA and his role as a mentor to future architects encouraged diversity and representation in the profession.

Benefits of Embracing Aaron Brown Myers's Legacy

Recognizing and embracing the legacy of Aaron Brown Myers has numerous benefits:

Historical appreciation: Understanding Myers's contributions deepens our understanding of the struggles and triumphs faced by African Americans during the early 20th century.
Architectural inspiration: His designs serve as a testament to the possibilities and beauty of inclusive architecture.
Social progress: His advocacy reminds us of the ongoing need to address housing inequality and promote equitable urban planning.

Call to Action

We can continue to honor Aaron Brown Myers's legacy by:

Supporting organizations committed to affordable housing and neighborhood development.
Encouraging diversity in the architecture profession and advocating for equal opportunities.
Preserving historic buildings that represent his architectural achievements.

By embracing his legacy, we celebrate the transformative power of architecture and advocate for a more just and equitable society.

Appendix: Tables and Figures

Table 1: Notable Buildings Designed by Aaron Brown Myers

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

Table 2: Aaron Brown Myers's Advocacy and Social Impact

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

Table 3: Recognition and Legacy of Aaron Brown Myers

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

Tips and Tricks for Embracing Aaron Brown Myers's Legacy

Visit historic buildings: Explore the architectural landmarks designed by Myers to appreciate his craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Support affordable housing initiatives: Donate or volunteer with organizations dedicated to providing access to safe and affordable housing.
Participate in diversity programs: Encourage and support initiatives aimed at increasing representation in the architecture profession.
Share Myers's story: Educate others about his contributions and inspire future generations of architects and urban planners.