In celebration of African American History Month—and in close collaboration with Save Harlem Now!, Columbia QSAPP, and Harlem Pride—join us to hear Michael Henry Adams discuss Homo Harlem. This introduction to lesbian and gay life in the African American culture capital, from 1915 to 1995, examines historically significant buildings and spaces to promote and preserve Black history and culture.
Adams will be joined by alumni from Columbia University's Queer Students of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (QSAPP) group who will discuss their book title "Disappearing Queer Spaces." Published in 2022, the book focuses on celebrating queer spaces that have been spatially demolished while raising awareness on the preservation of future destruction of historic queer and cultural sites in Harlem.
Register to Attend In-Person or Virtually
This will be a hybrid event, with both an in-person and virtual attendance option. The in-person component will include networking immediately following the lecture.
In-Person at St. Philip’s Church in the Sanctuary Room
Virtually via Zoom
About Our Speakers
Michael Henry Adams
Michael Henry Adams is an activist, living in Harlem. A fine arts graduate of the University of Akron, Michael trained in Columbia University’s graduate historic preservation program as well as studying English country houses at the Attingham Summer School. His books include, Harlem, Lost and Found: An Architectural and Social History, 1765-1915; and Style and Grace: African Americans at Home. Currently he’s at work on the forthcoming Homo Harlem, A Chronicle of Lesbian and Gay Life in the African American Cultural Capital, 1915-1995. He is a passionate supporter of historic preservation and helped start Save Harlem Now!, enjoys Harlem restaurants, and espouses equality and justice for all.
Abriannah Aiken (she/her)
DLR Group
Abri is an architectural designer with a focus on inclusive and equitable design that allow communities to thrive. She received her Masters of Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia in 2022, and currently works at DLR Group with an emphasis on planning and cultural and performing arts. At Columbia, she served as the Co-Chair of Queer Students of Architecture, Preservation and Planning (QSAPP) where she developed Disappearing Queer Spaces. She also is a founder of Architecture & Advocacy, an organization focused on diversifying the design field, and teaching young voices the power of design through workshops and design builds.
Brian Turner (he/him)
Macro, a Savills Company
Brian is an associate project manager with Macro, a Savills Company, in New York, where he aims to balance the ways building developments can foster universal basic incomes for low income residents. Brian is a former co-chair of Queer Students of Architecture, Preservation and Planning (QSAPP). He holds a Bachelors of Science in Architecture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Masters of Architecture and Real Estate Development from Columbia.
Bringing People Together
This event is being coordinated between Build Out Alliance, Save Harlem Now!, QSAPP, and Harlem Pride. We all are excited to come together for this exciting discussion.
