Docomomo-Michigan
Docomomo Tour Day 2019:
Many of my community projects involve my role as Treasurer of Docomomo Michigan, an organization dedication to the documentation and preservation of the modern movement. The theme of Docomomo's national Tour Day event in 2019 was an inspiring one: "The Shape of Things to Come; Reclaiming the Legacy of Detroit's Black Architects." The focus of our day, which encompassed a lecture and church tour, celebrated the life and career of a ground-breaking Detroit architect, Nathan Johnson, who had just turned 94.
We were lucky to work with designer Karen Burton and architect Saundra Little, founders of Noir Design Parti, dedicated to documenting the work of black architects in Michigan. They connected us with Nathan Johnson, who designed the Bethel AME Church and the Addition to Second Baptist Church, both in Detroit; Johnson was also instrumental in designing the People Mover Stations in Detroit.
Our event started off at Bethel AME Church with a lecture on Johnson's work, given by architect Saundra Little, with Nathan Johnson in attendance. Part two of our event included a tour of the historic Second Baptist Church, including both the early parts (used as a stop on the Underground Railroad) and the new addition designed by Johnson. Attendees, including church officials, were thrilled to meet Nathan Johnson in person and to thank him for the impact he had on the Detroit built environment - and on his role in encouraging future black architects both within and beyond Detroit.