African American architect Paul Revere Williams designed many iconic buildings and classic homes, often for celebrities. Now it's time for his close-up in a PBS documentary.
, the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects, not only designed homes for Hollywood legends from the 1930s through the 1960s but also helped fashion Los Angeles International Airport, the Angelus Funeral Home in South Los Angeles and a portion of the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Born in 1894 and orphaned at age 4, Williams overcame numerous obstacles to join a profession that remains largely white. Yet during much of his career, Williams was blocked by racist laws and customs from living in many of the neighborhoods that contained his homes. And to forestall conflict with white clients, who might balk at sitting next to him, Williams learned how to sketch his designs upside down — a skill that became his trademark.
“This man was facing incredible odds from his birth to the time he died,” she said. “Yet he rose to a level of elegance and eloquence that few people who have been given a silver spoon rise to. He had to have true grit in order to survive and navigate this world.”Williams died in 1980 at age 85. Since the 1990s, interest in his accomplishments has been slowly growing.
Kennedy Rodgers, a former PBS producer and correspondent, became interested in Williams’ story after hosting a book party for Hudson. She brought in McCampbell Vance and the two approached PBS.
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