Commissioners, staff and community partners with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) stepped out of their offices, water reclamation plants, labs and work areas and kicked off February with the sixth annual Pan-African flag-raising events to celebrate Black History Month and a renewed commitment to diversity.

The annual flag raising events honor the achievements of the Black community, who strengthen the Chicago region and contribute towards the MWRD’s work to protect the region’s water environment for over 5.19 million people living in Chicago and 128 area municipalities in Cook County.  View the flag raising ceremony. 

“The flag will fly high across all our facilities for the entire month to serve as a reminder of our shared commitment to honor and uplift Black communities and celebrate our rich history and the contributions of Black people. The Pan-African flag itself carries deep meaning. Its colors tell a story of struggle, pride and hope,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “By raising the flag across our sites, we are demonstrating that the values of unity, strength and respect of heritage are embedded in the work that we do every day here at the MWRD.” 

Black History Month traces its roots back to 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson initiated a movement to acknowledge the importance of highlighting the achievements and struggles of the African American community. With its bold black, red and green colors, the design of the Pan-African flag holds special meaning. The red represents the blood of African people shed for liberation; the black represents people of African descent; and the green represents the continent of Africa and all its natural wealth, the land from which African people descended. 

“Today, we celebrate Black History Month continuing this tradition to ensure that the stories of resilience, innovation and triumph are not only remembered but celebrated,” said MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn. “The Pan-African flag serves as a beacon of empowerment and a call to action to continue the fight for equity and justice in every space we occupy.” 

With a talented staff of approximately 1,800 employees, representing over 200 job titles, the MWRD has long valued and celebrated its diversity by creating a welcoming environment that respects and embraces the experiences and contributions of every community and individual. This is represented in the MWRD’s diverse workforce, a commitment to equity in mitigating flooding throughout Cook County, protecting area water quality throughout Cook County and cultural enrichment programs like the Black History Month flag raising. 

“As we witness the raising of this flag, let us be reminded of the unity, pride, and respect it symbolizes for Black history,” said MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown. “This flag-raising ceremony represents a commitment to fostering unity and understanding among our diverse communities. We stand together to acknowledge the unique contributions that have enriched our collective history. Today we are celebrating diversity, recognizing that strength emanates from embracing our differences.”

In addition to the flag raisings, the MWRD will host its annual Black History Month program on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St., Chicago. This year’s national theme, “African Americans and Labor,” highlights the vital contributions and resilience of African Americans in shaping our nation’s workforce and labor movements. 

Speakers include: 

• Irma Holloway, Business Owner, Chief Operating Officer, Phoenix CCI, and Executive Director for Black Contractors Owners and Executives 
• Fletcher J. Holmes, Jr., Business Agent/Political Director, Ironworkers Local 63 
• Jonathan Jones, Director of Diversity, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council 
• Marcus Jordan, DEIA Outreach Coordinator for Operating Engineers Local 150 and the Indiana Illinois Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting 
• Joe Wells, DEIA Outreach Coordinator, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 134 

The event will provide insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and a celebration of Black excellence. All are welcome to attend this special event. Register here.

The MWRD will also participate this month in the Black Creativity Career Showcase and Junior Café at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, to be held on Feb. 22, and the National Engineer’s Week Expo with the National Society of Black Engineers to be held on Feb. 22, at UIC Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St., Chicago.  

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