Bates, Robert Charles
1869-1950 · Contribution: 1892
First African American author of an architecture textbook; first Black architecture teacher at an HBCU
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Impact on the world
Published a textbook in 1892 based on his own class lectures, believed to be the first architecture book authored by an African American, while also serving as one of the first Black teachers of architecture at a historically Black college.
Life & background
Thought to be the first Black teacher of architecture at a historically Black college or university, Bates published a textbook in 1892 based on his classroom lectures, which is believed to be the first architecture book ever authored by an African American.
Sources
- Wilson, *African American Architects* (2004); Claflin University
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