Day 3 of Black History Month we Salute: Mr. John A. Lankford

Today We are Saluting Mr. John A. Lankford (1874–1946) for his work in the field of Engineering. 

Mr. John A. Lankford
Photo from netlibrary.net

Mr. Lankford was an American architect. He was the first professionally licensed African American architect in Virginia in 1922 and in the District of Columbia in 1924. He has been regarded as the "dean of black architecture".[1] (wikipedia.org)

Lankford was born in Missouri and educated at Missouri State College, Lincoln University (Missouri), and then Tuskegee Institute. He earned multiple degrees in the sciences, and also studied architecture and mechanical drawing. His early professional work was in engineering and mechanics.

Lankford arrived in Washington in 1902 where he had been hired by the Richmond-based United Order of True Reformers to complete the design and supervise construction of its Washington headquarters. The large size and complexity of the building is impressive because it was the first substantial professional commission in Lankford's career.(www.culturaltourism.org)

Work Cited:

"John A. Lankford." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015.

"www.culturaltourism.org." John A. Lankford Residence and Office, African American Heritage Trail -. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2015.