As a community, we must continue asking ourselves where we go from here. How can we solve problems that will benefit others? Will we take the easy path or work towards a brighter future? We must always strive to find solutions and collaborate to make a positive impact. Our nation has achieved so much, but we can gain even more by embracing diversity of thought and culture working side by side together.
Donn L. Booker, Sr., PMP, FSAME, Vice President, Sheladia Associates, Inc.
Celebrating SAME Members for Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans, and SAME is proud to spotlight the contributions and achievements of the following members.
Learn more about these members’ insights and be inspired by their accomplishments.
Throughout the entire month, SAME will be highlighting stories from our members on our website and social media. Follow along with the hashtags #BlackHistoryMonth and #SAMECelebrates
Black History Month 2023 Featured Members
If you missed our 2023 Black History Month member stories, our fireside chat with Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant, or the TME article on African Americans serving in WWII, view the below content.
Fireside Chat with Brigadier General Antoinette Gant
SAME National President Cindy Lincicome, F.SAME, hosted a virtual fireside chat with Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant, USA, Commander, USACE South Pacific Division, the first African American female, active-duty engineer to be promoted to the rank of general officer.
The two discussed the course of Gen. Gant’s remarkable career, her inspirations and notable mentors who helped her along the way, and what giving back to the future generation of engineers means to her.
Watch the interview
African-American Engineering Battalions in the Pacific Theaters
During World War II, over 2.5 million African American men signed up for the draft, of which 1.2 million served in uniform. However, the services were still segregated at this time, despite pressure from civil rights leaders for integration. Thus, Black men enlisting in the service faced substandard training, inferior barracks and recreational facilities, and discrimination from staff and personnel, in addition to the regular hazards of service.
Learn more about Black Service Members in WW IIDiversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Society of American Military Engineers is fully committed to promoting a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in all that we do.
As a professional organization, our unwavering standard is that all individuals feel valued and respected regardless of gender, race, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, education, disability, veteran status, or other dimension of diversity.
Learn More About SAME’s Commitment to DEI
Follow along with us in promoting Black History Month on your personal and professional channels with the hashtags #BlackHistoryMonth and #SAMECelebrates!