Morgan State University cemented its place in architectural and cultural history by becoming the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to present a solo pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Their installation, ReCall & Response, offered visitors a powerful reflection on heritage, memory, and identity, drawing inspiration from West African traditions and the symbolism of the talking drum.
The pavilion, unveiled on May 10 at Venice’s Giardini della Marinaressa, was the vision of Coleman A. Jordan, an assistant professor of architecture at Morgan State. Describing the structure as “a sonic vessel—an architecture that remembers,” Jordan emphasized how the project sought to bridge generations and reclaim space for Black cultural expression. Built from sustainably sourced timber, the pavilion reflected the Biennale’s 2025 theme of Repair, Regenerate, and Reuse, addressing histories of displacement and erasure within the African diaspora.
Students and alumni from Morgan State University collaborated with peers from Tuskegee University and Clemson University to bring the installation to life, highlighting the power of academic partnerships to foster innovation and preserve cultural narratives. The exhibition marked Morgan State’s first time leading an independent pavilion, though the university had previously participated in the Biennale in 2021 as part of the collaborative project WE The 7: A Conversation with the African Diaspora.
In addition, Morgan State’s world-renowned marching band, The Magnificent Marching Machine, captivated audiences in Venice during the city’s annual Art Night Venezia on June 21. The performance began with a vibrant procession through Venice’s winding streets and concluded with a show at the Giardini della Marinaressa, blending music, spoken word, and a traditional West African libation ceremony.
The performance followed a landmark year of global engagement for Morgan State. In June 2024, The Magnificent Marching Machine had become the first HBCU band to perform in Normandy, France, during the annual D-Day memorial parade. These international milestones reflect the university’s broader commitment to providing students with transformative experiences beyond the classroom.
As ReCall & Response remained on display through November 24, 2025, Morgan State University continued to expand its global footprint, demonstrating how HBCUs are shaping conversations around art, culture, and history on the world stage.
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