Reimagining Design

As a Black man, author Kevin Bethune stands out in the world of design.

Events during and following 2020 shook the United States, especially for Black Americans. Many experienced a deep sense of despair in response to the COVID-19 crisis – which disproportionately affected the Black community – and multiple egregious instances of racial violence that took place during the first year of the pandemic. Experiences of tremendous loss can make a population more resilient in the long run, but the impact of 2020 will linger for decades to come.

Kevin Bethune, a Black man succeeding in the predominantly white world of design, sees hope amid the hurt and sadness. The curiosity and creativity that have driven his career also help him imagine and work toward a better future for all. Bethune grew up relatively privileged in a white suburb of Detroit but hails from a family which, for generations, suffered brutality at the hands of white supremacists. Bethune’s early career mirrors that of many other American Blacks in the degree to which he suffered regular microaggressions, discrimination and lack of respect.

Curiosity, good listening skills and a steadfast...