On February 9th, GW’s Sustainable Urban Planning Student Organization (SUPSO) presented an online panel on Urban Design and Placemaking for Communities of Color in commemoration of Black History Month.
Hosted by Sustainable Urban Planning (SUP) graduate student Ugonna Njeze, the panel discussed how social initiatives influence urban design and the importance of community engagement and placemaking projects in supporting economic development. They also highlighted the role of planning in communities of color in the United States and the disproportionate stress brought about by intensifying climate-related changes.
The distinguished four-person panel included:
- Lakeisha Wright, AICP: Urban Planner, UX Expert & Strategist;
- Desiree Powell: Urban Planner & Place Creator, DRBTS, LLC.;
- Allie Thompson: Project Lead for Climate Risk Analytics and SUP alumna ‘18;
- Latisha Atkins, J.D.: Director of the Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Street Program
“We were so honored to have this powerful panel of change agents discuss how to address systems change to bolster the resilience of communities of color. Their work is aligned with our program's focus on creating climate solutions for those with the fewest choices,” said Sandra Whitehead, program director of the Sustainable Urban Planning program.
This webinar was part of SUPSO’s efforts to collaborate with working professionals across disciplines to promote equitable urban planning solutions. In a time when the effects of climate change are accelerating, we are focusing on the plight of communities of color who have been historically marginalized. We aim to raise awareness, empowering our students to challenge the status quo and advocate for more just policies and processes.
More information about the Sustainable Urban Planning program.