New Book Reveals McKissack Family’s Pioneering Role in U.S. History
*Cheryl McKissack Daniel’s upcoming book, THE BLACK FAMILY WHO BUILT AMERICA, tells the powerful story of her family’s two-century journey in the construction world. The book, co-written with Nick Chiles, is set to release on August 12, 2025, through Black Privilege Publishing.
The McKissack family’s story begins with Moses McKissack, who was enslaved in the 1800s and became a master craftsman. His skills laid the foundation for a family legacy that has shaped many of America’s landmarks. Cheryl, the fifth-generation leader, now heads McKissack & McKissack, the oldest Black-owned design and construction firm in the country.
McKissack & McKissack: Building Iconic American Landmarks
McKissack & McKissack has played a key role in constructing some of the most recognizable structures in the U.S. From the National Civil Rights Museum in Tennessee to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, their work spans major public projects across the country.
The firm also contributed to the New Terminal One at JFK Airport, Lincoln Financial Field, and even designed the airbase for the historic Tuskegee Airmen.
Under Cheryl’s leadership, the company has managed over $50 billion in construction projects within the last decade alone.
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Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
Cheryl McKissack Daniel has shattered glass ceilings as a Black woman in construction, a field long dominated by men. She credits her mother, Leatrice B. McKissack, as a critical influence who kept the company alive during tough times, including when her husband suffered a stroke.
Leatrice defied the odds, running the company at a time when women couldn’t even secure bank loans without a man’s signature. Cheryl describes her mother as a true trailblazer, and Leatrice calls Cheryl the “Moses” of her generation for leading the firm into new heights.
Empowering the Next Generation of Builders
Committed to the future, Cheryl is preparing her daughters to take over the family business. She ensures that McKissack & McKissack’s legacy of Black excellence continues to thrive in coming generations.
In the book, Cheryl also shines a light on other unsung Black engineers and builders who helped shape America’s infrastructure, a crucial but often overlooked part of U.S. history.
Cheryl McKissack Daniel’s Impressive Background
Cheryl McKissack Daniel is a civil engineer and a proud graduate of Howard University. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, to architect William DeBerry and teacher Leatrice Buchanan McKissack, Cheryl represents the fifth generation of her family’s storied business.
She currently resides in New York, where the company’s headquarters is located. McKissack & McKissack also operates offices in Philadelphia and other cities across the U.S., continuing its mission of excellence and innovation in construction.
Where to Learn More About McKissack & McKissack
To explore more about McKissack & McKissack’s incredible work, visit their official website at www.McKissack.com. Stay updated with their latest projects and news by following them on Instagram (@mckissacknyc), X (@McKissackCorp), Facebook (@McKissackNYC), and LinkedIn.
Cheryl’s new book promises to offer inspiration, historical insight, and a deeper understanding of how Black builders have helped shape the nation’s physical and cultural landscape.
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