At the Electrical Alliance, we believe social responsibility is the only way. We’re determined to make a generational impact by prioritizing diversity in our trades.
The Norman Hill Scholarship is one way we’re making progress. This scholarship promotes diversity in construction management by sponsoring students at Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction and providing internships with our electrical contractors. With IBEW Local 26, we have donated over $135,000 to this initiative to support more minority contractors in our communities.
On May 2nd, we hosted a reception to celebrate the students who received the scholarship while paying tribute to Norman Hill and Reverend James Lawson, two inspiring individuals who played instrumental roles in the Civil Rights Movement. Many students received the scholarship this year, supporting their journey to a rewarding career in the trades.
“As you know, the skilled trades are a path to the middle class and to potential business ownership,” wrote Joe Dabbs, IBEW Local Union 26 Business Manager. “The goal is to promote minority participation in construction from bottom to top, apprentice to top management.”
About Norman Hill
Norman Hill is a long-time worker’s rights advocate and civil rights leader who has always been dedicated to creating opportunities for African Americans. From the beginning of his career, his mission was to show Americans how the labor and civil rights movements “share a common dream of racial and economic justice.”
Hill’s career spanned sociology studies, military service, the Congress of Racial Equality, the AFL-CIO, and much more. He was involved in raising the minimum wage, overseeing labor delegations, and organizing many impactful marches for the Civil Rights Movement. Today, he serves as president emeritus of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, “an organization of Black trade unionists who are working towards social, political, and economic justice.”
He was also an initiator and advisor on the Recruitment and Training Program (RTP), which recruited, placed, and mentored thousands of Black youths for pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in the Building and Construction Trades Unions.
These are just a few reasons he is a perfect representative for this award.
Reverend James Lawson, Jr. Delivers Moving Keynote Speech
Reverend James Lawson, Jr is an activist and university professor with a stunning history in the Civil Rights Movement, which made him an excellent keynote speaker for the reception.
From teaching nonviolent protest techniques in Nashville at Martin Luther King Jr.’s encouragement and to strategizing for the Freedom Riders to co-founding the Committee on the Move to Equality (COME) and serving as chairman of the Laity United for Economic Justice, his impact has spanned generations—and it continues to do so.
Using his passion for and knowledge of the importance of diversity, he inspired students, professors, members, and members of the public who attended.
In Pursuit of Inclusivity
More people deserve a voice, and the trades can play an impactful role in improving inclusivity. We’re committed to doing our part, whether it’s through initiatives like the Norman Hill Scholarship, getting involved in legislative movements, partnering smaller contractors with larger contractors, or simply passing the microphone to someone who needs it.
The work we do at the Electrical Alliance has the power to change the course for generations. We hope to expand our impact so that more people in minority populations can benefit from a supportive career in our trade.
Build a Career. Build a Life.
Do you know someone looking for a path to the middle class? The Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) program is your ticket to a rewarding career with the IBEW Local 26 Union.
Explore your options and find out how a career with the Electrical Alliance can provide excellent pay, benefits, and job security.
