Dear Bmore NOMA Members
The Baltimore Chapter of the National Organization of Architects (Bmore NOMA) was started three years ago because we all saw the need and opportunity to promote excellence among architects of color, engage with our communities and further the professional development of architects of color within the Baltimore region but now we are asked to do just a little more. Now we have to do more. In accordance with the new mission of the National Organization of Minority Architects, our activism will need to become B.R.A.V.E. and more inclusive "to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, and community advocacy". Remaining silent now is not an option and is inconsistent with our values. We must call out the racism and injustice so that it is no longer normalized. We have to shine light on the issues within our communities born from systemic racism and oppression while promoting organizations that are trying to resolve them. We must condemn the policing in Baltimore City that was found to include “making unconstitutional stops, searches, and arrests; using enforcement strategies that produce severe and unjustified disparities in the rates of stops, searches and arrests of African Americans; using excessive force; and retaliating against people engaging in constitutionally-protected expression” (Department of Justice Investigation of Baltimore Police Department report). We must build up our communities and support their development. As an organization we stand in solidarity with the National Organization of Minority Architects in condemning racism and the social and economic biases that disproportionately diminish the health and quality of life of black communities.
Calvin B McCargo Jr, NCARB, NOMA, AIA
President,
Baltimore Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (BMore NOMA)
