Hampton University Alumni - Chattanooga Chapter

In 1940, Hampton University made history by launching the first architecture program at an HBCU

When Hampton established its Department of Architecture in 1940, African Americans represented less than 1% of all licensed architects in the United States. Most predominantly white institutions either explicitly or implicitly barred Black students from their architecture programs

The program was spearheaded by visionary educator and architect Robert R. Taylor, the first Black graduate of MIT and the first professionally trained Black architect in the U.S. While Taylor passed in 1942, just two years after the program’s founding, his educational philosophy of design excellence rooted in service to the Black community shaped the department’s direction

Hampton’s architecture program is fully NAAB-accredited, meaning its graduates can go on to become licensed architects

Some notable Hampton architecture Grads include Harold Williams, known for leading major civic projects in Los Angeles, William Henry Moses Jr., long-time department chair and author of influential architecture texts, and Victor F. Johnson, co-designer of several HBCU campus plans

Even today, only about 2% of licensed architects in the U.S. are Black, and even fewer are Black women. Programs like Hampton’s serve as critical pipelines into a profession where space, form, and structure often reflect systemic inequality

Hampton University- Alumni, Cheryl Franklin Key and John “Duke” Franklin, are Black history!
Carrying forward a 130+ year family legacy of service, compassion, and care in Chattanooga, this is what Hampton University’s motto, “An Education for Life,” truly looks like!

Way to go, Cheryl and Duke! We are so proud of you! 💙⚓️

To the Greater Chattanooga community,

Thank you for trusting us with your loved ones.

Thank you for allowing us to walk with you during life’s most sacred moments.

And thank you for supporting a legacy built on compassion, dignity, and care.

For over 130 years, the Franklin family has served this community, beginning with our grandfather, George Washington Franklin, Chattanooga’s first African American undertaker, and continuing through our late father, John Porter Franklin, Sr.

Today, we remain committed to honoring every life with respect and grace.

This Black History Month, we honor not only our history, but YOU, the community we are incredibly proud to serve!

With so much love and appreciation,
Cheryl & Duke

Hampton University is one of only 12 HBCUs awarded The Home Depot’s Retool Your School Innovation Lounge Grant, securing $75,000 to enhance campus spaces! 🧡💙⚓️

Special thanks to the combined Alumni Affairs / Advancement team and our partners across campus; including DoIT and Student Success to secure this grant! As well as a special shout out to alumna Tina Taylor from Home Depot for her invaluable support.

We also salute our Atlanta Chapter and the Hamptonians representing at Home Depot—your support helped bring this incredible win to life!

Here’s to innovation, community, and our Home by the Sea!

Congratulations to Hampton University- alum, LaTrice Currie, on 30 amazing years at Chattanooga’s Local 3 News! 🎉🎉

As a dedicated news anchor and journalist, LaTrice consistently brings passion, integrity, and heart to every story, uplifting the greater Chattanooga community with her work. Here’s to 30 years of excellence and many more years inspiring others and making a meaningul difference! 🙏🏽

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