Black in Historic Preservation
k. kennedy Whiters, RA launched Black in Historic Preservation to bring together a community of professionals, tradespeople, citizen advocates, and students who practice or study historic preservation and heritage conservation, and who self-identify as Black, African, or African American. This group serves as a platform and resource for anyone wanting to support Black Historic Preservationists.
Known as the "Council House," this was the residence of Mary McLeod Bethune. Source
Our Mission
Black in Historic Preservation is a community, platform, and resource by and for Black preservationists and heritage conservationists.
Its core values are Black Agency + Community, Well-Being + Equity (Racial, Pay, and Gender), and Preservation for All.
Core Value 1. Black Agency + Community
To highlight the past + present contributions of Black people to historic preservation / heritage conservation.
Core Value 2. Well-Being + Equity: Racial, Pay, and Gender
To support the success of Black people in historic preservation to thrive as professionals, tradespeople, students, and grassroots advocates, as they support the success of the communities and people they serve.
Core Value 3. Preservation for All
To educate Black preservationists and supporters about historic preservation and related topics relevant to the Black experience and the importance of preserving Black heritage sites.
Our Story
Black in Historic Preservation is a program of wrkSHäp | kiloWatt, LLC, a Black woman-owned design studio founded by k. kennedy Whiters, RA that specializes in historic preservation/heritage conservation + owner's representation (construction project management). kennedy brings to the management of Black in Historic Preservation years of experience in project management, operations management of her businesses, and experience as Director of Operations of a national US-based social justice non-profit. Special thanks to Founding Advisor Nakita Reed AIA, NOMA, CPHC, LEED AP, who helped with Beta Test Participant Coordination for the Black Preservationists Directory in 2021.
