Lankford, John A.
1874-1946 · Contribution: 1922-1924
First professionally licensed African American architect in Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
Became the first licensed Black architect in both Virginia (1922) and the District of Columbia (1924), designing numerous office buildings and churches across the region.
Life & background
An architect, Lankford became the first professionally licensed African American architect in Virginia in 1922 and in the District of Columbia in 1924, designing many office buildings and churches throughout his career.
Sources
- Wilson, *African American Architects* (2004); African American Registry
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