White_Logo_PNG-removebg-preview

About Us

Black Contractors Association Inc. is a newly established organization based in Birmingham, Alabama, dedicated to advocating for Black construction professionals, particularly General Contractors. We recognize the significant contributions that Black contractors have made to the construction industry, and we believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that they receive equal opportunities and support to excel in this field.

Despite the undeniable contributions of Black contractors to the construction industry, they have been historically underrepresented in the commercial construction sector. We aim to change this by helping to build capacity for builders and supporting those who are looking to enter the industry in the future. Our organization is committed to designing policies that promote inclusion from the outset of projects, rather than simply as an afterthought during the bidding process.

Shot of a young man and woman going over building plans at a construction site

Publicly funded projects have a responsibility to promote equal opportunity for qualified, ready professional building contractors who meet local city, county, state, and national standards under the jurisdiction of the state that receives funding through federal and state taxation. As such, we are here to ensure that Black contractors are not overlooked or excluded from these opportunities.

The history of Black contractors in the United States is rich and varied. They have been instrumental in building many iconic structures, including the U.S. Capitol building and the White House. Despite facing significant challenges such as discrimination and racism, Black contractors have always persevered and made a significant impact on the construction industry.

Moving forward, we at Black Contractors Association Inc. envision a future where Black contractors are fully represented and supported in the commercial construction industry. We believe that our organization can play a pivotal role in making this a reality by advocating for equal opportunities, providing resources and support to Black contractors, and promoting policies that ensure inclusion from the outset of projects.

In summary, Black Contractors Association Inc. is a vital organization committed to advocating for Black construction professionals, particularly General Contractors, and ensuring that they have equal opportunities and support to succeed in the commercial construction industry. We are proud of our rich history in the construction industry, and we are committed to ensuring that Black contractors continue to make significant contributions to the industry for years to come.

Black contractors have been responsible for some of the most iconic buildings and structures in America, and yet they continue to be underrepresented in the industry. It's time for change.
Tawan Davis
CEO of The Steinbridge Group

Black construction contractors who have made significant contributions to the commercial construction industry.

Robert R. Taylor

Robert R. Taylor was the first Black student to enroll in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1888. He later became the first Black architect to graduate from the prestigious institution. Taylor went on to become a prominent construction contractor, overseeing several significant projects such as the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Herman J. Russell

Russell was the founder and CEO of H.J. Russell & Company, a leading construction and real estate development firm. Russell was known for his work on several high-profile projects, including the construction of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Georgia Dome.

Norma Sklarek

Norma Sklarek was the first Black woman to become a licensed architect in the United States. She later became a partner at Gruen Associates, a leading architecture and planning firm. Sklarek was involved in several notable projects, including the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan.

Deryl McKissack

Cheryl McKissack

The construction business is no bed of roses — cutthroat competition makes it hard to stay on top. But one construction and design firm has been making its mark on some of our biggest landmarks.

Cheryl McKissack Daniel now sits atop the oldest African-American-owned and female-run construction company in the nation — a business her family truly built from the ground up. In the male dominated world of construction, McKissack Daniel feels right at home — even in a hard hat and heels.

As president of McKissack & McKissack, she manages projects ranging from a park in downtown Brooklyn to getting many of New York’s trains to run on time. Her company is on board to revamp Long Island’s railroad hub, which runs underneath the Brooklyn Nets’ home.