NOMA

Thanks to The Architect's Newspaper for covering, and @architectural_material_girl Kelly Beamon, for coming to NOMA's annual conference and writing about NOMA's focus on equity issues in the profession, as well as celebrating leadership, professional milestones including a class of 40 newly licensed architects, and student and professional awards. We hope to see you in NOMAKC for #NOMA25 - NOMA's next annual conference next October! https://lnkd.in/gUzukK3B #Localideas #Nationalimpact #NOMA24 #NOMAeverywhere

"A Black Soldier Story” In shadows cast by history's light, A soldier's tale, both dark and bright. Their skin, like night, oft overlooked, In pages torn from freedom's book. From Revolution's dawn, they stood, For liberty, misunderstood. In chains, yet fighting for the free, Their valor, a silent decree. In Civil War's divisive strife, They battled for a better life. In blue, they marched, in hope, they bled, For unity, their spirits led. In World Wars' vast and deadly sweep, Their courage, sown in fields so deep. In foreign lands, they fought with pride, Yet, at home, their rights denied. Korea's cold, Vietnam's heat, In every war, they did not retreat. In jungles dense, on mountains steep, They sowed what future could reap. Through desert storms and distant lands, In conflicts hard to understand, Their loyalty, a constant flame, Yet back at home, it wasn't the same. In uniforms, they bore the weight, Of a nation's love, a nation's hate. Defending those who oft denied, Their rightful place, their human side. Yet, undeterred by history's stain, Their honor, they did not feign. For country's love, not always returned, In their brave hearts, it always burned. Now hear these words, both true and deep, For those who fought, for those who keep The legacy of valor's course, "Thank you for your service" - a powerful force. A chorus rising, bold and new, Acknowledging the trials they knew. Their stories, now, we must embrace, In our nation's heart, their rightful place. For in their courage, we find a seed, Of hope, of change, of a united creed. In their footsteps, we learn to tread, A path of respect, where once we fled. So let us say with pride and grace, To those once hidden, now face to face, "Thank you for your service," deep and true, For a better world, shaped by you. -Mustafa Santiago Ali

Design Justice In Unjust Times As the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), it is essential to reaffirm our foundational commitment to advocacy for a just and equitable profession and a more just and equitable world. While the political landscape may change, our mission remains steadfast. We recognize that the implications of shifting policies are significant, and we must remain vigilant about how they affect our profession and the communities we serve. There is a justified and rational sense of outrage when individuals are subjected to institutional malice and violence. The impact of elections and policies can often feel distant from our daily pursuits—this distance is by design, as systems are constructed to obscure the connections between acts and their actors, placing the burden of response on those affected. Righteous rage in the face of injustice is justified. Yet, as the National Organization of Minority Architects, we must channel that energy into clear-eyed, strategic action. NOMA is dedicated to elevating marginalized voices and supporting communities historically disenfranchised and excluded from shaping the built environment. Ignoring the disparities in our society results in policies that stifle conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion and hinder the capacity of institutions to reflect on and rectify historical injustices. The realities facing women in our profession, including barriers to career advancement and challenges related to motherhood and mentorship, underscore the systemic nature of these issues. The policies of today will only exacerbate these challenges if left unaddressed. Practically speaking, the effects of tariffs and rising construction costs have already impacted our work, and these issues will only intensify. Increased costs place a heavier burden on communities and reduce opportunities for equitable development. If we believe in the power of place to lift and support communities, then we must recognize the profound implications of expanding policing and prisons. We have to acknowledge the magnitude of global conflicts, such as those in Sudan and Palestine. Genocide often begins with the erasure of place, through apartheid and bombings that strip people of their history and shelter and ultimately their lives. These events resonate deeply with many of our members who are descendants of displaced and oppressed peoples. We cannot look away from this pain—it directly impacts who we are and what we stand for. << read the full message at https://lnkd.in/eaZ_Yey >> Statement prepared by NOMA Executive Board and NOMA Board of Directors Pascale Sablan FAIA,NOMA,LEED AP, Bryan C. Lee Jr NOMA, AIA Tiffany D. Brown, MBA, NOMA, Assoc. AIA

Safe travels to everyone joining us in Baltimore for NOMA National Conference! https://lnkd.in/edE_E-np. #Localideas #Nationalimpact #NOMA24

Looking forward to hearing about the new, award-winning, and legacy design projects executed by NOMA members and other professionals during NOMA National Conference this week! https://lnkd.in/edE_E-np. #Localideas #Nationalimpact #NOMA24

What's happening this week? NOMA NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN BALTIMORE!!!!! https://lnkd.in/edE_E-np. #Localideas #Nationalimpact #NOMA24

Looking for seminars on public and civic projects that benefit communities through social and environmental justice and social responsibility? Check out the community and justice track during NOMA National Conference. https://lnkd.in/edE_E-np. #Localideas #Nationalimpact #NOMA24

Baltimore is a city where everyone knows everyone, with locals affectionately giving the city the nickname “Smalltimore”. Learn more about it at NOMA National Conference! https://lnkd.in/edE_E-np. #Localideas #Nationalimpact #NOMA24

It is with heavy hearts that we honor the life and legacy of Curtis Moody, FAIA, NOMAC. Surrounded by his loved ones, Curtis leaves behind a profound legacy as an architect, NOMA member, and devoted father. His work touched countless lives, and his contributions to the profession will continue to inspire generations to come.

Are you considering starting a firm, marketing, firm growth, investing in the future, and/or succession planning? Attend the seminars in the business track at NOMA National Conference in Baltimore. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/edE_E-np. #Localideas #Nationalimpact #NOMA24