The Getty Foundation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund announced five Conserving Black Modernism grants as part of the culminating round of funding for this initiative dedicated to preserving significant works of architecture by Black architects and designers.
“Conserving Black Modernism has helped communities in nearly every region of the U.S. protect the work of Black architects and has helped broaden the very definition of modernist architecture,” said Joan Weinstein, director of the Getty Foundation. “Teaming up with the National Trust over the past five years has allowed us to take actionable steps to preserve underrepresented sites that embody Black excellence in design, activism and resilience.”
This initiative was launched in 2022 as the Getty expanded Conserving Black Modernism to support 26 historic modern sites, including buildings that once faced uncertain futures and potential demolition.
This year’s grants preserve culturally unique sites in five different states. From historically Black neighborhoods in Boston to the first Black-owned, designed, and operated shopping center in Milwaukee, Getty funding supports preservation plans for sites. It also strengthens the skill set of professionals who care for them.
Since 2022, Conserving Black Modernism grants have supported a diverse array of building types across 17 states and D.C., including academic, spiritual, residential, civic, cultural, and commercial sites of historic importance.
“Getty’s grants have supported our larger effort with the Action Fund to invest in communities that are preserving the full American story—from the struggles for freedom and civil rights to the achievements of Black educators, architects, entrepreneurs, faith leaders, and culture bearers,” said Brent Leggs, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and founder of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. “By supporting local stewards and communities, we are helping ensure these stories endure for generations to come.”
The Action Fund also announced funding for 27 sites representing Black history across the U.S., including the five sites supported by Getty funding. Since its founding in 2017, the Action Fund has raised more than $200 million and supported over 400 preservation projects dedicated to protecting Black heritage nationwide.
The grant will fund several locations: Central City Plaza – Milwaukee, Wis.; Martin Luther King Jr. Humanities Center, Texas Southern University – Houston, Texas; Park-Johnson Hall at Fisk University – Nashville, Tenn.; Southwest Corridor – Boston, Mass.; and St. Mark AME Zion Church – East Chicago, Ind.
