Observing Black History Month at Duquesne Light Holdings

At Duquesne Light Holdings Inc. (DLH), we are proud to do our part to amplify opportunities to educate and reflect during the nation’s celebration of Black History Month. The month gives us a chance to recognize the remarkable achievements and contributions of Black and African Americans throughout the history of our great nation. In fact, one of the things I’m reminded of during this monthlong celebration is the profound influence Black people have had on American society and culture.

DLH will always remain steadfast in our commitment to support and respect all colleagues, customers and communities. We find value in investing in the endeavors of local diverse-led organizations.

I’m proud of the efforts of DLH’s Black- and African American-centered business employee resource group, BRIDGE — Building Respect, Inclusion and Diversity through employee Growth and Engagement — that have helped us grow relationships with Black-led organizations throughout our service territory. Just last year, several members of BRIDGE were instrumental in taking a leading role in the reactivation of the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy.

BRIDGE also supports the community through volunteer opportunities, whether the group is helping build playgrounds with KaBOOM, beautifying local neighborhoods with Grounded Strategies or helping local churches feed those in need.

DLH has a sustained sponsorship with the New Pittsburgh Courier, one of the oldest Black-owned media outlets in the nation and the third-largest newspaper in Pittsburgh. Throughout our relationship, we’ve partnered to showcase local Black-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations and have been the title sponsor for the publication’s signature events that recognize Black/African American difference makers across the region, like the “Fab 40 Under 40,” “Men of Excellence” and “Women of Excellence” awards.

As part of our efforts to attract, retain and elevate diverse talent within our workplace and communities, I’m also proud to highlight DLH’s partnership with The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI), where we invest in the career development of Black and African American leaders throughout our region. Several members of DLH have graduated from TALI’s emerging leaders and executive leadership academy with the goal of cultivating their skills, knowledge and experiences to prime them for career advancement opportunities.

DLH's Black History Month Celebration

Throughout February, DLH will celebrate Black History Month with employee spotlights highlighting our team members who identify as Black/African American. And BRIDGE will host a special Black History Month luncheon, where local poet Quincy Stephenson will perform a spoken word piece, titled “Memphis, TN. 1968,” discussing the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s activities during the Civil Rights movement. Quincy, who also is the executive director of Diversity and Student Inclusion at Duquesne University, is a native of Memphis.

We thank BRIDGE, its allies, our DEI Council and all of our employees for their contributions in working to ensure DLH is an organization where we all feel valued, respected and energized. Together we can build a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace and community.

We hope you join us to celebrate Black History Month in a way that is meaningful to you.

To learn more about Black History Month and this year’s theme, be sure to review these helpful resources linked below. There’s also a list of Black-owned businesses in Pittsburgh, and we encourage you to consider supporting these businesses throughout this month and beyond.