Arizona’s First Black Architect Honored With a New Mural in Eastlake Park!

Race Day Live  As Black History Month is celebrated, Arizona is remembering Rushia Fellows, the state’s first licensed Black architect, and the first Black student to earn an architecture degree at Arizona State University.

His impact on the city goes beyond buildings—he also touched many lives.

Fellows designed more than 50 buildings in Phoenix, including the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, the South Mountain Community Center, and the old Esquire Barbershop.

Now, his legacy is being honored with a mural in Eastlake Park, keeping his history alive.

Valley developer Lorenzo Perez, who helped bring the mural to life near 12th and Jefferson streets, says it was important to capture Fellows’ official seal as part of the tribute.

Perez, who was an architecture student at ASU in 1990, knew Fellows personally—Fellows was his advisor and mentor.

Perez recalls how difficult his first semester was. Juggling school and work was overwhelming, and he considered giving up. But then he met with Fellows, who changed his life with just one conversation.

“He put his hand on my shoulder and told me to sit down,” Perez remembers. Fellows then cleared his schedule and spent two hours encouraging Perez, helping him create a new academic plan.

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Fellows’ words made a huge impact. Perez stayed focused, worked hard, and got an A on his next project. He was eager to share the good news with his mentor.

But tragically, just weeks after their meeting, Fellows died of a heart attack at age 65.

Now a successful developer, Perez often wonders where he would be if not for Fellows’ support.

That’s why he’s helping to honor him with the mural—fittingly placed on the Esquire Barbershop building, which Fellows designed.

Perez is also one of the first recipients of the Rushia Fellows Memorial Scholarship at ASU, ensuring that Fellows’ legacy continues to inspire future architects.

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