As one of the only Black architecture students at USC, Paul R. Williams was continuously told to give up: “There aren’t enough Negroes in Los Angeles to give you a living,” said one advisor.
But he knew how talented he was, and wouldn’t let racists stop him from becoming a legend.
Racism WAS keeping him from getting gigs, but he never let them take his dignity or affect the quality of his work.
He did what so many of us have to do: he viewed it as a challenge, and got creative.
Williams learned how to draft house plans upside down, so racist clients wouldn’t have to sit next to him - and took their money to build his portfolio!
He designed houses in neighborhoods he was legally barred from ever living in. But rather than be discouraged, he let his incredible work speak for itself.
Soon he was designing grand houses for the likes of Frank Sinatra, “I Love Lucy’s” Lucille Ball, and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.
Nobody could deny his incredible talent. He also designed countless classic Los Angeles landmark buildings like the LA County Courthouse and Hillside Memorial Park.
When racists try to dim your shine, it’s natural to feel like giving up. But Paul R. Williams’ story shows the power of getting creative, knowing your worth, and thriving when it’s all said and done!