“Access is an issue that we all can work together to overcome by creating many pathways into design for students of color, rural students, students with disabilities, and students who are facing barriers to access to great design education.” (Lesley-Ann Noel 2021) Burt Pinnok Lofts at West Station Big Luck
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Maurice Beane
SHINE THE LIGHT
Kia Weatherspoon Archer Park
Hamilton Glass “Bounde” at Virginia Museum of History and Culture
By amplifying this generation of leaders, we can raise awareness of professional paths in the arts and design for future generations.
Hamilton Glass Richmond Night Market
Background
Inspiring the Next Generation
Shine the Light, a campaign launched by SMBW in 2020, celebrates the work and social activism of local visionary black creators. SMBW sat down for a conversation with four local visionary black creators, representing different creative fields, to discuss career path, roadblocks, creative inspiration, and future path.
Changing the script.
Our Why
Challenging businesses to do more.
66% of African Americans don’t see themselves in firm leadership (NCARB).
Celebrating today’s talent and change makers.
Less than 1 in 5 new architects identify as a racial or ethnic minority, including a 16% increase over the past decade (NCARB). Black designers account for less than 2% of the membership in ASID (ASID).
Starting important conversations. Making thoughtful business partnerships. Building a diverse workplace and team.
Introducing mentors to the next generation. Inspiring career paths in design and creative fields. Amplifying local opportunities for volunteerism.
Business ownership, more so than even education, is a tangible pathway to achieve economic parity and close the racial wealth gap (study conducted by UNLV).
1 Beane Metal Mobile Maurice
Burt Pinnock Black History Museum
Shine The Light 2021
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