Wigington, Clarence 'Cap'

Impact on the world

Became the first Black architect employed by a municipal government in the United States, working for the city of St. Paul, Minnesota for over three decades and designing dozens of public buildings.

Life & background

Largely self-taught after leaving art school in Omaha, Wigington worked under the American Institute of Architects' president before becoming the first Black municipal architect in the country, employed by the city of St. Paul, Minnesota for more than 30 years and designing numerous public buildings during his tenure.

Sources

1. ICC Building Safety Journal (17 Black Architects); African American Registry; The Cambridge Guide to African American History (Cambridge University Press)