MARKING BLACK HISTORY MONTH


Black Contributions to Construction Celebrated as Momentum Grows for Greater Diversity and Inclusion


By Carol Eaton


heating furnace have in common? All of these highly useful inventions – and countless others – were created and patented by Black Americans. Prolific inventor and entrepreneur


W


Frederick Jones held 61 patents, according to Wikipedia, including one he received in 1940 for a portable air-cooling unit for trucks. Tis proved particularly useful preserving blood, medicine and food for use at Army hospitals during World War II. Portable x-ray machines and sound equipment also ranked among Jones’ many patents. In 1887, noted Black inventor and


businessman Alexander Miles patented an innovative electric mechanism to open and close elevator doors, vastly improving their safety. And in 1919, Howard University graduate Alice Parker came up with a better heating solution in the form of a gas furnace. One hundred years later, the National Society of Black Physicists honored Parker, calling her heating solution a “revolutionary idea” which they noted “paved the way for central heating systems.”


Celebrating Black Ideas & Innovations


Tese are but a few examples of


the many ways that Black Americans have contributed to the foundation and framework of modern life. Teir ideas and innovations are found in


18 March/April 2021


hat do refrigerated delivery trucks, automatic elevators doors and the central


science and technology, medicine, agriculture and manufacturing as well as in the built environment through Black contributions to architecture, engineering and construction. Te celebration of Black History Month each February offers businesses an opportunity to highlight these diverse achievements. Uncovering some of the less


widely-known inventions and accom- plishments of Black Americans is something of a passion for Miquel


“We’ve absolutely come a long way, but we’re not there yet. When it comes to leadership and executive leadership in companies, those types of roles are still


very under-represented within our industry.” – Henry Nutt, III, Southland Industries


“Mick” Penn, Northern California Community Relations Liaison for Swinerton. “I always took great pride in things that typically weren’t in the history book,” Penn said. “Tis past year I’ve been digging in and doing research to find out about these inventors who have contributed to construction and the built environment.” Tis year Swinerton’s Black


Community Business Resource Group spearheaded the company’s celebration of Black History Month. Troughout the month of February, the company shared information on Black history, acknowledged influential Black leaders and provided insight into Swinerton’s own talent and workforce.


Inflection Point During 2020, Swinerton accel-


erated their journey towards diversity, equity and inclusion following the death of George Floyd and other events that energized and expanded the social justice movement. “His death became an inflection


point and, along with the pandemic, a time for reflection on race relations in our country,” Penn said. Te company formed an internal


Equity & Inclusion Council, supported from the top by CEO Eric Foster, and took other intentional steps to


California Constructor


Miquel "Mick" Penn


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