Organization of Black Designers
717 D Street, NW Suite 500
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 659-3918



The Organization of Black Designers is a non-profit national professional association dedicated to promoting the visibility, education, empowerment and interaction of its membership and the understanding and value that diverse design perspectives contribute to world culture and commerce. The Organization of Black Designers (OBD) is the first national organization dedicated to addressing the unique needs of African-American design professionals. The OBD membership includes over 3,500 design professionals practicing in the disciplines of:

OBD was founded to educate the design professions regarding the contributions of African-Americans and othe people of color

Increase the number and visibility of African-American designers

Promote and assist the economic empowerment of African-American designers and other designers of color


Honor and proclaim our contributions to the design professions now and throughout history so that they will no longer be hidden or ignored

Mutually aid and support each member's professional and personal growth and well-being

Reach out and serve the communities in which we live with our expertise, energy and vision
Our commitment is to invigorate and regenerate our professions to create environments where diversity is imperitive and valued

OBD membership is open to all qualified design professionals practicing its specified disciplines, regardless of race, gender or sexual preference. Our mission is to enhance and improve the totality of the American design professions by energizing them with creative diversity.

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