MARKING BLACK HISTORY MONTH


build equity within the industry. Tey invested in a Black-owned bank in Los Angeles and joined other contractors across the country in signing AGC of America’s Culture of Care pledge, which affirms their commitment to a work environment that is free of harassment, hazing and bullying. In addition to Penn’s work inside


Swinerton, he is also active in industry groups that are focused on increasing equity and inclusion in construction. Tis includes serving on AGC of California’s Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, comprised of more than a dozen highly qualified and diverse industry professionals. Organized efforts like this propel


needed change, Penn contends. While he has seen some progress in the 13 years he has spent in the construction market sector, he pointed out that there is still plenty of room for improvement. “I think as an industry we’ve still got a lot of work to do in regards to recruitment, retention and advancement for people of color so that the workforce begins to reflect the demographics of the community where a lot of the construction takes place.”


Ripe for Improvement Penn is especially attuned to the


need for greater diversity in field leadership. “It’s rare that I see a Black foreman or superintendent,” he commented. “Te narrative is that it’s all about hard work, but I think it needs to be about oppor- tunity and creating space for people as well. It’s ripe for improvement and greater opportunity.” Henry Nutt III, preconstruction


Henry Nutt, III


executive for Southland Industries (one of the nation’s largest MEP building systems companies), agrees.


www.AGC-CA.org


“I think as an industry we’ve still got a lot of work to do in regards to recruitment, retention and advancement for people of color.” – Miquel “Mick” Penn, Swinerton


Also an active member of the AGC of California Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, Nutt has served on the AGC National Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee for several years as well. He has personal experience


facing inequity and disparity during more than 30 years in the California construction industry, and as the son of a Black business owner who operated his own Oakland-based mechanical contracting business. “I’ve been through definite racist and unfair treatment, but at the same time I knew not to use anything as an excuse but to just continue to press forward regardless of what was coming against me,” he commented. While he is heartened and


optimistic about the progress that has been made, Nutt said the construction industry’s journey to parity is far from finished. “We’ve absolutely come a long way, but we’re not there yet,” he said. “When it comes to leadership and executive leadership in companies, those types of roles are still very under- represented within our industry.”


Breaking Point Like Penn, Nutt believes the slow


but steady progress towards equity and inclusion was vastly accelerated by the events of 2020. “I think the George Floyd incident


and all the others that have come to the surface really was a breaking point for those who had to step out of their comfort zone,” Nutt said. “When you look at some of the images, there were


masses of Black and White, arm in arm, walking down the street – it really gave it a different type of momentum.” For an increasing number of


businesses, the need for change has finally come into sharper focus. “No one wants to be on the side of history that stands against something that may dehumanize or keep people down,” Nutt said. “And then there is just knowing that it’s better business (to be more diverse), and that more diverse teams actually tend to perform better.” Change is occurring in his own


company as well. “One of the great things about working at Southland is we try really hard as a mechanical contractor to set ourselves apart in not just treating people like a number. From the top-down, people know they matter and their voices matter. Te discussion is how do we (increase diversity) in a very grass roots way where it doesn’t seem like initiatives that are passed down just from an executive mandate.” Black History Month offers the


opportunity to change the narrative, Nutt said. “Tere are so many negative images


of what we’ve done. People developed their mindsets about who we are. So, as we are able to use the month to really focus on learning something new that you didn’t know about someone in Black history, that can help shape your thoughts and your children’s thoughts,” said Nutt. “A little bit of education can be great for people to understand a bit more about what we’ve contributed and who we are.” Both Nutt and Penn applaud the


role that AGC has taken to effect change and make a difference when it comes to creating a more equitable and diverse industry. “AGC has really taken a leadership


role in this,” Nutt concluded. “It is having a big influence and impact on the industry across the country. I think it’s awesome that this 100-year-old organization is taking that stance and making it real for everyone.” 


Associated General Contractors of California 19


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