March 1, 2017
Reading Time: 2 minutesAIA stands for Equality and Human Rights
“Diversity is a cultural ethos embraced by AIA membership to foster inclusion, service, and a quality of life in celebration of all communities in our society. This is regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation or identity, age, geography, intellectual or practice area.”
As Black History Month comes to a close, AIA New Jersey would like to share the message below with our members and followers. This message is from the At-Large Director of the AIA National Board of Directors. It has been, and continues to be, a goal of our organization to support and encourage new architect members from all underrepresented demographics. While the path to licensure is difficult for anyone, clearly Mr. King has overcome unique challenges in his life in order to stand with us as he does today, as a member, as a leader, and as a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects.
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Elintun Rucker
This is my maternal great-great Grandfather. He was born two years before the founding of the AIA, in Moss, Georgia. Until the age of 8, he was not free in a free country.
In 1957, the 100th anniversary of the AIA, I was 8 years old and becoming aware that I and my parents did not have the freedom to go where we wanted, live where we wanted or work where we wanted, no matter our accomplishments.
I was given a great opportunity ten years later to begin working at my first architectural firm.
In 2017, I am a Director on the National Board of the AIA.
The AIA and the country have evolved for the better over 160 years. The AIA has embraced the values of racial tolerance, freedom and progress. These are not values owned by any political party. They are American values.
Donald
Donald I King FAIA
Director At-Large of the AIA National Board
By admin | Posted in AIA-NJ News, Continuing Ed, Members & the Community, Practice Management | Tagged: Diversity, Donald King FAIA | Comments (0)
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