WHO: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) commissioners and staff

WHAT: Celebrate Black History Month with the raising of the Pan-African flag

WHERE: MWRD Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St., Chicago, Ill. 

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at 10 a.m.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) will kick off Black History Month with the sixth annual Pan-African flag raising ceremony at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building and at all seven of the MWRD’s water reclamation plants on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at 10 a.m.

To highlight their commitment to diversity and recognize the many achievements of the Black community in the Chicago area and the nation, the MWRD will also host a noon celebration at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building on Thursday, Feb. 26 to mark this year’s theme: “Waves of Innovation: 100 Years of Black Excellence in STEM and Water.”

This public event will feature a dynamic conversation honoring a century of Black excellence in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and water innovation. The featured speaker is Dr. Kelli Easterly, Managing Director of STEM, Distinctive Schools. Dr. Easterly serves as the Managing Director of STEM at Distinctive Schools. She leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality STEM learning experiences across the network. 

The MWRD will also participate in the Black Creativity Career Showcase and Junior Café at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry later in the month.

These events promote Black History Month as a powerful, symbolic celebration and a time for acknowledgement, reflection and inspiration. 

Register for the Feb. 26 event at https://mwrd.org/events/waves-innovation-100-years-black-excellence-stem-and-water