Honoring Alonzo Exhibit

Discover the story of Alonzo Robinson, Jr. (1923–2000), recognized as Wisconsin’s first registered Black architect, in Honoring Alonzo, a temporary exhibition at America’s Black Holocaust Museum. Over a career spanning four decades, Robinson designed churches, businesses, offices, public buildings, and other spaces throughout Milwaukee and surrounding communities.

Among his notable projects was Central City Plaza, completed in 1973 as Wisconsin’s first Black-developed, Black-owned, and Black-operated mixed-use commercial development. Robinson also served as architect of record for Milwaukee’s 1970 Mahalia Jackson’s Chicken System restaurant. His work offers a window into a largely overlooked chapter of Milwaukee’s architectural and Black community history.

Honoring Alonzo invites visitors to learn more about Robinson and consider the imprint of a pioneering Black architect on Milwaukee’s built environment. The exhibition is on view at America’s Black Holocaust Museum from September 19 through November 7, 2026, and is included with regular museum admission.