From Slavery to Legacy A Story of Strength and Vision
In celebration of Black History Month, we shine a spotlight on McKissack & McKissack Construction, one of America’s most remarkable success stories a legacy that began in the shadows of slavery and rose to become a symbol of excellence, resilience, and empowerment.
At the helm today stands Cheryl McKissack Daniel, a powerhouse woman and visionary leader who continues to honor her ancestors’ legacy while shaping the future of construction and engineering in America.
Her story and the company’s journey embodies the very essence of Black excellence, perseverance, and innovation.
The McKissack Legacy: Building More Than Structures
Founded more than a century ago, McKissack & McKissack is recognized as the oldest Black-owned, female-run construction and design firm in the United States. The company’s origins trace back to Moses McKissack, a skilled builder and the grandson of an enslaved African who was brought to America in the 1790s.
From those humble beginnings, the McKissack family’s craftsmanship, dedication, and vision paved the way for generations to come.
Today, Cheryl McKissack Daniel carries that torch forward standing proudly on the foundation laid by her ancestors and steering her company to even greater heights.
Cheryl McKissack Daniel: The Woman Behind NYC’s Major Development Projects
As the President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, Cheryl McKissack Daniel leads a team responsible for overseeing multi-billion-dollar construction and infrastructure projects across New York City and beyond.
Under her leadership, the firm has managed iconic developments such as:
- The new Terminal One at JFK International Airport
- The renovation of the Long Island Rail Road’s Jamaica Station
- Hudson Yards development
- Barclays Center and other high-profile projects
Cheryl’s vision extends beyond blueprints and budgets she’s building opportunities for women and minorities in the construction industry, breaking barriers that once seemed unbreakable.
Empowering the Future: From Slave to Queendom
The phrase “From Slave to Queendom” captures the spirit of McKissack & McKissack’s evolution a testament to how faith, hard work, and generational strength can rewrite history.
Standing in the DNA of her ancestors, Cheryl embodies leadership with grace, courage, and determination. Her success story serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and to those who believe that heritage can be both a compass and a crown.
