Robert J. Easter, FAIA, was honored at A’23 as the 2023 Whitney M. Young Jr. award recipient. Easter, who was welcomed with a standing ovation, thanked AIA for the award and for honoring Young’s legacy. He used the spotlight to share that the number of licensed black architects is the same now as it was when he began his career - 2 percent. “I hope one day we are able to get past the award and increase the number from 2 percent,” Easter said.

Watch the tribute video honoring the visionary leader’s career spent broadening diversity and inclusion within the profession.