San Diego National ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture
The 2019 ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture marks the first collaboration between ASLA National and the BlackLAN. ASLA provided space within the conference venue for the luncheon activities and the BlackLAN Sponsors paid for the luncheon. The Luncheon was attended by 49 black students and professionals.
2019 BlackLAN LUNCHEON August 15, 2019
Hosted by: American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) National Headquarters, Washington, DC
Lisa Jennings, Manager-Career Discovery and Diversity/ASLA suggested and promoted this event to bring together black landscape architects from the Potomac, Virginia and Maryland area Chapters. Glenn LaRue Smith, ASLA, Founder/Administrator of the BlackLAN, collaborated with ASLA to coordinate the BlackLAN participation. The event drew a group of young black students and professionals. The participants were welcomed by Roxanne Blackwell, Hon. ASLA and Co-Interim Executive Director/CEO. The event was attended by 35 black landscape architecture students and professionals.
Luncheon Sponsors
Awards
Sara Zewde
United States Artists: 2020 USA Fellow
USA Fellowships are annual $50,000 unrestricted awards recognizing the most compelling artists working and living in the United States, in all disciplines, at every stage of their career.
Sara Zewde is a landscape architect, urbanist, and public artist. She is founding principal of Studio Zewde, a design firm devoted to creating enduring places where people belong. The studio’s work explores the “aesthetics of being,” syncing site interpretation and narrative with a dedication to the craft of construction. In parallel with practice, Zewde regularly writes, teaches, and exhibits work.
Congratulations Sara, keep inspiring us!
Source: The Architect’s Newspaper, January 22, 2020
BlackLAN Open Session
San Diego National ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture
The BlackLAN Luncheon was followed by a two-hour Session that was open to all Conference attendees. The two panels included “Mentor Professionals” who discussed the history of the BlackLAN and insights into the experiences of black landscape architects to date. The second panel, “Emerging Professionals,” included a dialogue about professional opportunities, challenges and opportunities as black landscape architects.
