American Water Celebrates Black History Month

Throughout February, American Water celebrates Black History Month by recognizing and reflecting on the contributions made by African Americans to the United States. We are also proud to spotlight a few of our employees who have shared what this month means to them.


SHANE – Construction Inspector at Kentucky American Water

What does Black History Month mean to you?
It is a time of reflection on the sacrifices, determination, and will of the ancestors to simply exist. However, they didn’t just exist! They created, thrived, grew, and contributed greatly to our country and the history of this world. I love to learn and share with my children about the historical accomplishments of the ancestors each year.

How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I celebrate Black History month through the arts. Whether it be books, movies, YouTube videos, exhibits, or food. Exposing myself and my family to something different each year locally or within driving distance.

Who is the most influential figure in Black History to you?
There is no hierarchy that one can establish to grade the most influential figure in Black history because they all bore burdens and negative stigma during their time. For that reason, I cannot name one figure but a group, Black inventors. They were able, despite dreadful working conditions, laws against learning, and every imaginable hurdle, to create advancements that revolutionized the world today. The traffic light, pipe wrench, cotton gin, Almanac, gas mask, fire extinguisher, potato chips, mailbox, peanut butter, and ice cream for goodness’ sake! They truly had to control their mindset to focus on something greater. The inspiration that one can tap from that is transformational!


AMBER – Major Accounts Manager at Missouri American Water

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History is American history. It is joy, triumph, love, perseverance, and creativity, along with all the other things that make the world go round. Black History Month is a dedicated time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions Black Americans have made and continue to make across the nation. Black history is made fresh daily as we soar to new heights, and it is an honor to witness history in the making.

Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life.
One of the most meaningful moments in Black History that continues to inspire me is the story of Ruby Bridges. As the first African American child to desegregate an elementary school in New Orleans, at six years old, Ruby's bravery helped pave the way for Civil Rights action throughout the American South. As a mother, I love sharing the heroism of Ruby Bridges with my daughter so that she knows that you are never too young to make a difference.

What is something you love about your heritage?
There is so much to love! Despite intentional systems of oppression that continue to thrive today, we have chosen to rise above it all. We have chosen to turn hardship into determination, exclusion into love for all, and continue to break barriers. There is something to be said about people who can do this and still have joy! To be a descendant of this fortitude is truly an honor.

Amber is also an author of children’s books with which she is motivated to create stories that center and celebrate Black protagonists. Click here to read more about her.


TAKISHA – Director of Customer Care at American Water

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is an important time to celebrate the impact of African American culture in the past, and present, and reminds us of hope and opportunity for the future. Coming from great-grandparents born into slavery, grandparents born during segregation, and parents born during the Civil Rights movement, this month also reminds me of the endless possibilities in the world to be so much greater. I look forward to matching the same passion and purpose of those that came before me and leaving an impact that is greater than myself.

Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life.
Liddell v. Board of Education was a court case where five Black public school students in the city of St. Louis went to federal court in 1972. The parents alleged that their schools were inferior to those in white neighborhoods in the St. Louis area. That court case resulted in the court settlement that started the St. Louis desegregation program in 1980 for St. Louis area schools. In 1983, it expanded to include busing students from St. Louis City to St. Louis County schools. The goal was for each district to increase its Black enrollment to at least 25%. In 1992, after a move from Tennessee to St. Louis, I participated in the voluntary school desegregation program for my high school career that bused me from North City St. Louis to Parkway South High School in St. Louis County. The quality of education, opportunities, and network I received by participating in this desegregation program have shaped my career and life. I was exposed to people and situations that were not as prevalent in my neighborhood nor would have been in my neighborhood school.  It is one of the reasons I am so passionate about education and ensuring that opportunities are provided to all regardless of race, income, or zip code. Education has been a generational game changer for me and my family.

What is something you love about your heritage?
I love that my heritage is comprised of past, current, and future people who are motivated to always strive for the greatness that lies beyond their current circumstances, it is a sense of community and the task to create better paths for successors. My heritage provides me an opportunity to understand the struggles Black people around the world face, but also celebrate our resilience to overcome.

What is something you love about your heritage?
I love that my heritage is comprised of past, current, and future people who are motivated to always strive for the greatness that lies beyond their current circumstances, it is a sense of community and the task to create better paths for successors. My heritage provides me an opportunity to understand the struggles Black people around the world face, but also celebrate our resilience to overcome.


At American Water, we are proud to spotlight some of our Together We Stand, Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG) members who have shared what this month means to them.  Together We Stand promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment for Black/African American employees and allies at all levels within the company.  Learn more about our EBRGs here.