The Sharing the Joys of Construction Essay Competition was created by EDiS Company in 2021 for Delaware trade and vocational high school students to shine a spotlight on the positive impact diversity has in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Students wrote about individuals or companies who have inspired them or have had a positive impact on the built environment. First place winner Musulyn Fahnbulleh won a $700 prize, second place winner Tahna Moten won $500, third place winner Tyler Keyek won $300, and honorable mention Tianie Dixon won $100. Musulyn would like to thank her entire family. They helped her recover after Musulyn had just come home from the hospital. With their encouragement she was able to write this essay.
Grade: 10th School: St. Georges Technical High School
When speaking of Black history, many focus on slavery, our past, and how it’s affecting us now. Without invalidating that fact, I would like to say that many fail to mention the incredible accomplishments of black men, women, mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons of all talents and professions. The world, government, and even our own community might be against us, but still we prevail. We take on professions of all sorts, from tech to entertainment, education, and medicine; the list goes on. I would like to focus on one that stood out to me. Black Architects. Black Female Architects. One of honorable mention, Allison Grace Williams. Not only is she an amazing architect, but she is an educator, advocate for women’s education, and people of color. Her work clearly reflects her involvement in culture, history and her personal beliefs, so let’s learn more about that.
After doing my best research with the little provided on Ms. Williams’ outstanding accomplishments I’ve learned of her most acknowledged contributions to a built environment which include the Princess Nora Abdulrahman University Health Sciences and Research Campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, The New Calexico United States Port of Entry in California, The August Wilson Center in Pittsburgh, and Campus for Research Excellence and Technological located in Singapore. Among all, Princess Nora Abdulrahman University Health Sciences and Research Campus caught my attention. That building is home to the world’s largest female university and it was designed by someone that looks like me. The architecture is elegant, functional, and modern. Her work shows dedication and has deep meaning. United Interiors describes this project’s intricate designs as symbolic showing growth from “childhood to womanhood”. They also continue to say “The details are a narrative of culture, tradition, religious beliefs, civic space and environmental response.” (United Interiors, p.10,11) The feedback clearly reflects Ms. Williams’ standing when it comes to education among women, a wholesome environment, and her love for her job.
Another example of Allison Grace Williams’ contribution to society is the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. This project was in honor of the famous playwright August Wilson. The building includes theaters, dance studios, art galleries, and basic meeting rooms. Ms. Williams designed it to be compatible with its urban surroundings. The Cultural Center is bordered by blocks of sidewalk. Its most noticeable feature to me would be the modern wide windows wrapped around the building. No doubt, it is functional with the environment and allows natural lighting to enter. Since it’s a theater, it has an abundance of studio lighting that draws the attention of people on the street. The thought, feeling and commitment of the project is a wonderful showcase of Ms. Williams feelings toward black culture, urban living, and a sustainable environment.
Ms. Williams says “Looking back, being female and black, I’m surprised by some of the things I’ve done, but at the same time, it never occurred to me that I couldn’t do them”. With everything in life, she overcame obstacles and kept going strong. This quote teaches me that my skin color or gender does not stop me from achieving like everyone else, it may be harder, but I can get there. It has been an honor to share Ms. Williams’ outstanding work with the world. I am so glad to have come across her and her projects. She is an inspiration to women and girls of all ages, colors, and backgrounds. I wish I knew about her sooner! For all the little black artists, designers and architects out there, you can do it too! With determination, focus and the right mindset you can dream, achieve, teach and inspire just like Ms. Allison Grace Williams.
