Thread by @NBCLX

Imagine it's the 1940s and you've given years of your life to redesigning one of the most iconic hotels in the U.S.

Imagine it's then hailed by your peers as a modern-day marvel.

Now, imagine you're not even allowed to stay there because you're Black.
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That was the reality for Paul R. Williams, the architect behind The Beverly Hills Hotel and some of the most iconic buildings in Los Angeles, not to mention the homes of many of Hollywood's biggest stars of the 20th century
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But Williams' race presented a stumbling block.

His granddaughter, Karen E. Hudson said clients would get "there and stopped in their tracks because they didn't realize he was Black, and they were ready to back out."
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One of his methods of persuading potential clients was to sit across the table from them, instead of shoulder to shoulder, asking questions about their vision.

He'd then proceed to draw his ideas upside down.
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One of his most iconic designs was the redesign of the Beverly Hills Hotel. But even that great honor came with great insult.

"He wasn't even able to eat out by the pool," said Hudson, "The waitresses and hostess would not seat him."
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Despite his extensive portfolio of work, including parts of LAX, Williams' story remains a surprise to some Americans.

"The day he's celebrated other than February is a day that I will be really happy," said Hudson.
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