When we heard about Hip Hop Architect, Michael Ford’s, Seat at the Table program, which works to create a more equitable future for Black and Brown youth, we wanted to help. 

Seat at the Table welcomes students to participate in an ongoing lecture series with leaders in the City of Milwaukee, hip hop artists, and poets to gather ideas on what people are doing around The State of Wisconsin to help create a more equitable future for Black and Brown youth. Part of the programming includes artistically re-envisioning two Eames Molded Plastic Side Chairs used as blank canvasses donated by Herman Miller Cares.

They use one to convey their vision for bettering the world. (That one they keep.) On the other, they’ll make their pitch for an organization to hire them after graduation. Then they’ll deliver the chair.

Herman Miller Cares has been deeply connected to and an advocate for Hip Hop Architecture Camp and its related programs. We share a passion for making the design industry more diverse, equitable, and inclusive by furthering education and opportunities for young people interested in a design career.

Over the past year, we’ve collaborated on the Conversations for Change series, hosting important dialogue about racial injustices faced in the industry, centered around a re-mixed Eames Lounge Chair by Michael Ford, and donated by one of Herman Miller’s dealers, Interior Investments.

To learn more and support Hip Hop Architecture Camps, visit hiphoparchitecture.com

Photo credit: Lauren Maki