Bloomberg Businessweek The Black Family Who Built America
Sep 4, 2025
Cheryl McKissack Daniel, President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, shares her family's remarkable journey as pioneers in the construction industry. She discusses critical issues like the impact of rising tariffs and economic challenges on infrastructure projects, such as JFK Terminal 1. Cheryl also explores political hurdles facing renewable energy, particularly in offshore wind. Most importantly, she emphasizes the legacy and resilience of Black families in shaping America’s architectural landscape, promoting narratives of excellence often overlooked in history.
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Spending Slows Due To High Prices
- Cheryl McKissack Daniel says people are holding back spending because prices are high.
- She links slowed spending in construction to rising costs and tariffs impacting projects.
Expect Project Phases To Be Delayed
- Cheryl pinpoints JFK Terminal 1 as a project feeling tariff pressure and schedule delays.
- She warns stakeholders to expect phased starts to be pushed out months amid cost pressures.
Agency Staffing Drives Project Pace
- Cheryl notes the Federal Transit Administration has slowed project releases after staff reductions.
- She links capacity cuts at agencies to delayed capital programs in rail and transit.
