The museum began with a deep commitment to
creating architecture that would evoke an emotional response.
The structure needed to communicate the essence
of Maryland’s African American experience – to
encompass the character, pride, struggle and accomplishment
of this rich heritage. It was critical that the building
accurately represent the spirit of a people who were generous
builders of their adopted home country.
Maryland’s African American spirit is
complex and diverse – not simplistic or singular. It
is contradictory, not resolved. There is both celebration
and disappointment, perseverance and flight, joy and pain.
This building is about overcoming odds and prevailing against
hatred and bigotry. It’s about making something out
of nothing.
At all points, the award-winning architectural
team, the Frelon Group/RTKL, a joint venture, held fast
to the guiding concepts set forth by the museum’s leadership: Spirituality; Joy and Vibrancy;
Resilience; The Power of Knowledge, Values and Principles;
and The Importance of Family and Cultural Continuity.
Photos clockwise:
1.Watercolor (Photo credit): Freelon/RTKL A Joint Venture 2. Phil Freelon,
Freelon Group NC, Loida Lewis,
wife of the late Reginald F. Lewis, Gary Bowden, RTKL, Baltimore,
MD 3. Groundbreaking Celebration December 3, 2002
Photo Credit: Roy Lewis(for all
photographs pertaining to the groundbreaking event)
