Wellesley, MA – The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) will celebrate Black History Month with the screening of an acclaimed documentary and a renewed commitment to expand and build upon the initiatives and accomplishments of its Committee for Diversity and Inclusion.
“Black History Month is an important time to remember the many achievements of Black Americans, including the brave and pioneering women featured in Invisible Warriors,” said John Ferrante, CEO of AGC MA. “But it’s also a moment for reaffirming our commitment to creating new opportunities for underrepresented populations.”
Last year, AGC MA hired Marion Jones to fill a new role, director of workforce development and inclusion. Since then, Jones has worked with ACG MA’s Committee for Diversity and Inclusion to launch several programs that create awareness and provide career pathways to people of color, long under-represented in the construction sector. These include a partnership with students at Mattahunt Elementary School in Mattapan, funding micro-grants for adults who are either already working in construction or those who hope to gain experience for education and training opportunities, an annual Diversity Summit with member firms, and working with partners to coordinate job placements for diverse workers.
“We’re so pleased at AGC MA by the success of these programs, and grateful for the support of our member firms,” said Jones. “We are eager to do more and to continue promoting and facilitating opportunity for those who’ve historically been left out. But first, we look forward to celebrating Black History Month together, with a remembrance of women whose commitment to their country, even as they faced widespread discrimination, is moving and inspiring.”
Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II will be screened on March 1 at The Foundry in Cambridge. The film profiles a group of diverse “Rosie the Riveters” who recount what life was like during World War II as they became the first Black women to work in war production and in U.S. government offices. They recount battles against racism at home, Nazism abroad, and sexism everywhere. Following the screening, producer/director Gregory Cooke will participate in a Q&A and a reception catered by local MBE, ZaZ Restaurant. This AGC MA event is presented courtesy of AGC MA’s Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and Turner Construction Company’s Diversity Employee Resource Group.
