24 August 2026 · The Guardian
Paul Revere Williams: Architect Against Racism
Paul Revere Williams was the first licensed Black architect in California. He designed many iconic buildings in Los Angeles and fought against racism throughout his career.
Pick your level
Easy version (A2-B1)
Easy: simplified for clarity
45 words · ~1 min readStandard version (B1-B2)
Standard: natural English
55 words · ~1 min readAdvanced version (C1-C2)
Advanced: full complexity
71 words · ~1 min readLesson audio
Standard level
Tap to play
Narration includes the headline and summary.
Adapted from The Guardian, 18 August 2026, and rewritten at three levels by Newslish. Newslish is not affiliated with the source. Read the original.
Key vocabulary
architect
a person who designs buildings
“An architect creates plans for new structures.”
racism
discrimination based on race
“Racism can affect many aspects of life.”
legacy
something handed down from the past
“His legacy includes many famous buildings.”
prolific
producing many works
“He was a prolific architect, completing thousands of designs.”
renovation
the process of improving a building
“The renovation of the hotel made it more modern.”
Quick quiz
01What was Paul Revere Williams known for?
02How many structures did Williams complete during his career?
03Which famous hotel did Williams renovate?
04What did Williams fight against in his career?
Discussion
How do you think architecture can influence social change?