News Summary
James E. Silcott, a distinguished architect and philanthropist known for his contributions to architecture and support for Black students, passed away at 95. A Howard University alumnus, he made history as the first Black project architect at both Los Angeles County and UCLA. Silcott dedicated his life to mentoring young architects and created funds to support architecture students. His memorial was held at Howard University, and he is set to be laid to rest in Los Angeles. His legacy continues through his philanthropic efforts and the impact he made on the architecture field.
Washington, D.C. — James E. Silcott, a pioneering architect and dedicated philanthropist, passed away on July 17, 2023, at the age of 95. He was a prominent figure in the architecture field, particularly known for his generosity, having donated over $3 million to architecture students at historically Black colleges, most notably Howard University.
A memorial service honoring Silcott took place at Howard University on July 22, 2023. He is set to be laid to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Los Angeles on September 6, 2023.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 21, 1929, in Boston, Silcott grew up in the Roxbury neighborhood, which historically offered limited opportunities for Black individuals. His early career began modestly as he worked as a hotel cook alongside his father after graduating high school. However, his interest in architecture surfaced through an aptitude test taken at a YMCA following several rejections from architecture schools.
In 1949, Silcott enrolled at Howard University, where he pursued a degree in architecture. Notably, Howard’s program became the first accredited architecture program at a historically Black college. Silcott benefited from mentorship under Howard H. Mackey Sr., a distinguished Black architect and educator. His studies were briefly interrupted by a three-year service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he attained the rank of sergeant before ultimately earning his bachelor’s degree in architecture in 1957.
Professional Achievements
Following his education, Silcott began his professional career at the office of architect Arthur Cohen in Boston. In 1958, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he collaborated with prominent firms, including Gruen Associates and Frank Gehry, contributing to significant projects such as the Winrock Shopping Center in Albuquerque.
Silcott made history by becoming the first Black project architect for both Los Angeles County and UCLA. He was responsible for overseeing substantial projects, including the UCLA Boathouse and the Jules Stein Eye Institute. During his tenure at the Los Angeles County Department of Facilities Management, he eventually became a senior architect and was notably the only Black architect within the county at the time.
Legal Battles and Continued Advocacy
In what became a transformative event in his career, Silcott alleged that his termination from the county was racially motivated. He successfully filed and won a ruling in 1984, asserting that he had been improperly terminated, which served as a catalyst for discussions about equity in public employment practices. After receiving a settlement from a federal discrimination lawsuit, Silcott remained active in the architecture field, consulting for public agencies and participating on various community boards and planning commissions.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Silcott’s commitment to supporting the next generation of architects was further demonstrated through his philanthropic efforts. He established the James E. Silcott Fund to provide emergency aid for architecture students at Howard University, as well as the James E. Silcott Endowed Chair. His contributions included the funding of the T. George Silcott Gallery at Howard and unrestricted donations designated for scholarships, travel fellowships, and capital improvements.
Throughout his career, Silcott received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the Howard University Alumni Achievement Award, the Centennial Professional Excellence Award, and the Kresge/Coca-Cola Award. In 2020, he was elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows.
Final Years and Remembrance
After suffering a stroke in 2020, Silcott moved to Washington, D.C., to be closer to family, where he continued to engage with Howard University until the end of his life. His legacy is marked by his remarkable contributions to architecture, community service, and mentorship, particularly his unwavering commitment to fostering opportunities for underrepresented students in the field.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: James E. Silcott, Trailblazing Architect and Philanthropist, Dies
- Legacy.com: James Silcott Obituary
- The Architect’s Newspaper: How to Bolster Black America
- Curbed LA: Los Angeles Black Architects Projects Map
- Dignity Memorial: James Silcott Obituary
- Wikipedia: James Silcott
- Google Search: James Silcott
- Encyclopedia Britannica: James Silcott
- Google Scholar: James Silcott
- Google News: James Silcott
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