John A. Lankford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Anderson Lankford
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| Born | December 4, 1874 |
| Died | July 2, 1946 (aged 71) |
| Resting place | Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Suitland, Maryland |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Shaw University Morris Brown College Wilberforce University |
| Occupation | Architect |
John A. Lankford (born December 4, 1874 – died July 2, 1946) was a very important architect. He was the first professionally licensed African American architect in Virginia (in 1922) and in Washington, D.C. (in 1924). People even called him the "dean of black architecture" because he was so respected in his field.
A Life of Design
John Lankford was born on a farm near Potosi, Missouri, on December 4, 1874. He went to several important schools, including Lincoln Institute and Tuskegee Institute. These were "historically black colleges," which are schools that were first created to educate African American students.
He also learned about architectural and mechanical drawing through a special correspondence school. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Shaw University in North Carolina in 1898. Later, he earned Master of Science degrees from Morris Brown College and Wilberforce University.
In 1901, John Lankford married Charlotte Josephine Upshaw. Her grandfather was Henry McNeal Turner, a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal church. This was the first independent black church started in the United States.
In 1902, Lankford moved to Washington, D.C.. There, he finished designing the True Reformer Building. He was also chosen to be the main architect for the African Methodist Episcopal church group.
John Lankford was a leader in his community. In 1905, he helped start the National Negro Business League chapter in Washington, D.C. He also served as president of the National Technical Association from 1941 to 1942.
One of his most famous projects was the Southern Aid Society building in Richmond, Virginia. This building was special because it was the first office building in the country that was completely designed, built, and used by African Americans.
John Lankford lived and worked at 1448 Q Street, NW, in Washington, D.C. He passed away on July 2, 1946, in Washington, D.C., and is buried in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland.
Famous Buildings He Designed
John A. Lankford designed many important buildings, including:
- Arnett Hall at Wilberforce University
- Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia
- Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina
- Chappelle Administration Building at Allen University, which is a very important historical site
- Haven African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.
- Southern Aid Society building, built in 1908, located at 527 N. 2nd Street, Richmond, Virginia
- True Reformer Building in Washington, D.C.
- Historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in DeLand, Florida
- Architecture of John A. Lankford
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Big Bethel AME Church
Atlanta, Georgia -
True Reformer Hall,
Washington, D.C.
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