Nominations Are Now Open for the Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award

The Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award is a new award given to an individual in the regional business community who has demonstrated an emerging or sustained commitment to champion change and positive impact in diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

The award will be given on the second day of the Conference on August 26.

Philip Freelon had an indelible mark on the practice of architecture and his legacy transcends the brick and mortar of the buildings he designed. Freelon was a pioneer, a fierce advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI), and his impact will only strengthen over time as we continue to see the positive impact DEI has on business and the greater community.  

Freelon is a much-admired, award-winning architect and founded his practice, The Freelon Group, in Durham, North Carolina, in 1990. Freelon went on to design civic and cultural projects throughout the United States—libraries, schools, museums, parks, and academic buildings, notably for a number of historically African American colleges. His best-known works include the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC; the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta; the Harvey B. Gantt Center in Charlotte, North Carolina; the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco; Emancipation Park in Houston; and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson.

From inclusive leadership to building employee resource groups, the Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award seeks to highlight the collective work of individuals whose commitment to DEI is changing the landscape of our business community. 

You can now submit your nomination for individuals on our website. Nominations are due by July 15, 5 p.m.
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You can register for our virtual Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Conference in partnership with Bank of America on our website.