Chase, John S.

Impact on the world

Became the first African American to graduate from the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture, the first Black licensed architect in Texas, the first African American on the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, and co-founded the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) with 12 other Black architects.

Life & background

In 1952, Chase became the first African American to enroll in and graduate from the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture, going on to become the first Black male licensed to practice architecture in Texas and the first African American admitted to both the Texas Society of Architects and the Houston AIA chapter. In 1970 he became the first African American to serve on the United States Commission of Fine Arts and co-founded the National Organization of Minority Architects alongside 12 other Black architects.

Sources

1. Humanities Texas; University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture; National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)