As architects, we are passionate about shaping the world around us, both physically and socially. We recognize the systemic inequities present in our built environment and society as a whole. In honor of this year’s Black History Month, we are highlighting various initiatives and leaders who are working to create a more equitable and diverse environment and leading by example.

1.       BlocPower’s Civilian Climate Corps: A Green Workforce Deep Retrofit

BlockPower, a New York company who does HVAC installation and green initiatives, started a career readiness program called the Civilian Climate Corps. This program equips participants from underrepresented communities in the trades with all the necessary tools for jobs in the clean energy and building modernization sector. Co-founder and General Manager Keith Kinch oversaw the first cohort and supported the dual impact of engaging with underrepresented communities and building a greener environment.

“There is a lot of work in the city that needs to be done now and over the next decade, and there’s a need for talent across the board.” – Keith Kinch in a discussion with GreenBiz

2.      Boston Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (BosNOMA) Project Pipeline

Project Pipeline is a national initiative created by Southwest Ohio NOMA chapter that exposes middle and high school students to design through a series of educational programs tailored to engage and support their interests. The three-day camp introduces students to design as a tool for social justice as they explore the issuesfacing the City of Boston. Finegold Alexander has been proud sponsors of theProject Pipeline Summer Camp and continue to support the amazing work they aredoing!

3.      A Better City

A Better City strives to build a more equitable, accessible, safe and inclusive city and region in strategic partnership with our members and the communities that they serve. They collaborate with colleague organizations and city and state leaders to shape the future of the City of Boston. Their work includes engaging with the MBTA to minimize the impact of shutdowns, acting as project manager on a public realm planning study, and supporting technologies to address fare equity issues.

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