AEP’s Black Employee Resource Group organized several events for Black History Month celebrating the contributions, achievements and experiences of African Americans.
This year's Black History Month theme was “Navigating Change: The Impact of Black Contributions on Labor, Policy, Education, and Infrastructure.” It explored various types of work—paid, unpaid, skilled, unskilled, vocational and voluntary—within the rich and diverse experiences of Black life and culture.
Some highlights from our Black History Month programming:
- Ric Sheffield, an author and former Assistant Attorney General for Ohio, spoke about African Americans living in mostly rural areas, based on his 30-plus years of research.
- In Central Ohio, BERG hosted a panel discussion to promote inclusivity and discuss the changing landscape of the utility industry. The panel of employees highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing diverse communities in the workplace.
- Southwestern Electric Power Company’s BERG members participated in the 20th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade in Shreveport, LA. Employees decorated a bucket truck with banners featuring prominent figures in Black history. On Feb. 28, BERG also hosted a luncheon featuring a guest panelist, along with SWEPCO employees.
- The Appalachian Power and Kentucky Power BERG organized the MLK Literacy Days throughout January and February, where employee volunteers read books to area elementary school classrooms.
Thanks to BERG for helping employees celebrate this important month and for coordinating events that AEP can be proud of.
Employee Resource Groups are open to all employees interested in learning more about inclusion. These groups help build awareness, respect, inclusiveness and belonging, allowing our employees to be their best selves at work.