America’s Black Holocaust Museum Honors Wisconsin’s First Black Licensed Architect with Exhibit and Community Discussion

Milwaukee, WI (October, 2026) Alonzo Robinson, Jr., Wisconsin’s first licensed Black architect, made profound and lasting contributions to Milwaukee’s Black community and to the city as a whole, designing buildings that combined modern architectural principles with deep civic purpose.

America’s Black Holocaust Museum, 401 W. North Avenue in Milwaukee, is hosting this temporary exhibit until November 7, with paid admission to the museum and a free, open-to-the-public community discussion on Thursday, October 29, 2026, about this leader’s legacy and impact in the marketplace.

Robinson’s best-known works include Central City Plaza, the state’s first Black-owned and operated shopping center saved from demolition through a nationally recognized preservation effort, and the Milwaukee Fire Department Administration Building, which was named and dedicated in recognition of his achievement in 2021.

His legacy also lives on in numerous neighborhood churches, homes, businesses, and municipal buildings throughout Milwaukee, reflecting his commitment to accessible, community-centered design.

Doors open at 5:30 pm for the community discussion.