FirstEnergy Celebrates Black History Month
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is at the heart of FirstEnergy’s culture, and we are committed to championing equitable and inclusive communities where different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated.
Each February, Black History Month offers a special opportunity to recognize the unique achievements of our African American friends and neighbors while raising awareness about the inequities this underrepresented group faces. Here are some of the ways we helped Black History Month shine bright this year.
Legends and Luminaries
To celebrate Black History Month and to recognize FirstEnergy’s very own everyday heroes, the Ohio chapter of MOSaic, a FirstEnergy employee business resource group (EBRG) that serves as a resource to employees of color and their allies, held its inaugural “Legends & Luminaries: Black History Month Celebration” on Feb. 23.
During the event, nearly 300 employees gathered virtually to acknowledge seven employees of color and allies for going above and beyond to support FirstEnergy and our DEI culture.
Our “Legends” and “Luminaries” were given L-shaped awards to commemorate their achievements. They were also surprised with a FirstEnergy Foundation contribution of $1,000 to be gifted to a non-profit organization of each honoree’s choice. The selected organizations include:
- Gus Johnson Community Foundation Inc.
- The American Cancer Society
- Ladies First Akron, Inc.
- The Monroe Street Neighborhood Center
- The Akron Boxing Academy
- Stewart’s Caring Place
- The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
“The FirstEnergy Foundation is proud to help recognize employees that serve as a guiding light for others at FirstEnergy, and we’re honored to join these legends and luminaries in their efforts to give back to their local communities,” said Lorna Wisham, vice president of corporate affairs and community involvement at FirstEnergy.
Promoting Social Justice and African-American Heritage
In a Black History Month effort to help address racial inequities, FirstEnergy sponsored Coleman Health Services’ “Unmute the Uncomfortable” – a professional development symposium on racial justice, mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Held in Niles, Ohio, on Feb. 4., the conference helped educate 400 medical professionals, legal representatives, law enforcement members and others about racial inequities in healthcare, mental health and law enforcement.
Additionally, the FirstEnergy Foundation made a $5,000 donation to the Asbury Park African-American Music Project, a community-driven project that educates residents and visitors about the African American music heritage of Asbury Park, New Jersey.
“To help create a brighter future for generations to come, we’re thrilled to support initiatives that help to advance inclusion in our communities,” said Wisham.
Shining a Light on Learning
The MOSaic Ohio EBRG also partnered with the National Kidney Foundation on Feb. 16 to host a webinar that educated employees about kidney disease, which disproportionately affects African Americans and other minorities. During the event, FirstEnergy employees shared their personal stories about kidney disease.
"They say health is our wealth, so it's important we spend time learning about issues that affect our mind, body and soul," said Victor Coleman, regional external affairs consultant and a chair of MOSaic. "In light of the medical statistics correlating people of color and kidney disease, this webinar perfectly aligns with the spirit of Black History Month.”
The southeast Pennsylvania chapter of the MOSaic EBRG gathered employees to attend Seramount’s Black History Month webinar on Feb. 24. FirstEnergy employees joined other professionals virtually to learn from keynote speaker John Graham, author of “Plantation Theory: The Black Professional’s Struggle Between Freedom and Security.” In his speech, Graham gave inspirational tips to implement sustainable inclusivity initiatives while considering how DEI programs may make those in positions of privilege feel.
The webinar also featured leaders from financial institutions who shared empowering strategies to help attendees become more inclusive, compassionate and action-oriented while celebrating the success of the African American community.
“By offering the chance to learn from a diverse group of powerful speakers, we hope employees will retain strategies they can leverage to uplift themselves and support the development of others, especially in spaces with limited diversity,” said Cheryl Teel, contact center supervisor and co-chair of MOSaic Southeast PA.
More than a Month
Through the unwavering commitment of our employees and the FirstEnergy Foundation, we continue to find ways year-round to foster an inclusive environment for our employees and the communities we’re proud to serve.
To learn more about FirstEnergy’s DEI initiatives, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/diversity.
CONTACT: Josh Duke, (330) 607-5018