What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is annual time to honor the achievements and history of Black people while acknowledging the progress toward equality. As a result, this is the perfect time to demonstrate Port Houston’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while allowing teams to connect and learn from one another.

Black History Month has been officially recognized by the governments of the United States and Canada for the month of February each year. Additionally, Black History Month has been observed and recognized in October for people in Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.¹

How Did Black History Month Get Started?

Before there was ever a Black History Month, there was “Negro History Week” which started in 1926, and held during the second week of February. This week was declared by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Celebrating Negro History Week in February was a nod to both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both born during the same week and great contributors to African American History. Negro History Week became more popular during the following decades sparking the push for Black History Month.²

In 1968, members of the Black United Students at Kent State University participated in sit-ins and protested disorderly conduct charges during Negro History Week. The following year students demanded Kent State University to extend the week into a month-long celebration. This act transformed Black History Month at the university and had ripple effects across the nation.³

In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”³

Celebrating Black Leaders at Port Houston

Curtis Duncan serves as Controller at Port Houston, and he does an excellent job of leading our teams in Payroll, Accounts Payable, Credit, Customer Billing Services and Financial Accounting.

Curtis was born in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Northwestern University. Before entering the thrilling world of Finance, Curtis was drafted by the Houston Oilers as a wide receiver in 1987. We are thankful that Curtis’s journey brought him to Port Houston in 2013.

“Diversity in the workforce, and especially diversity in leadership, is important because excellent companies should reflect and appreciate people from the wide variety of ethnicities, races, religions, and experiences that make our country great. As a Black man in leadership, I always strive for excellence because I am mindful of the path that I am paving for others who will follow or join me in similar positions of leadership,” states Curtis Duncan, Port Houston Controller.

Jennifer Aksoy is our Customer Service Manager for Bayport and Barbours Cut Container Terminals. She supervises a team of Logistics and Customer Service Coordinators making sure trucks are efficiently moving through our gates. She is in a key position to lead and support a team working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Jennifer journeyed from California to join our Vessel Services team in 2012. She took on the position of Gate Manager in 2013, and in September 2022 she was promoted to her current position.

“Diverse representation in leadership allows for a wide range of important perspectives. Having a leadership role not only empowers my peers but also empowers other black professionals to be seen, valued, and heard at their organization,” states Jennifer Aksoy, Customer Service Manager of Port Houston Container Terminals.

Kerrick Henny is our Chief Government & Public Relations Officer. He is proud to carry on a family legacy of hard work instilled by his father, who worked two full-time jobs connected to the Houston Ship Channel (at ARMCO Steel and ILA Local 1351) for over 36 years.

A true port native, Kerrick grew up just two miles from the Houston Ship Channel in Galena Park. Before he found his way back to the port, his career would include joining the executive team at AT&T, working as a key player in early policy decisions around “big data,” and meeting five U.S. presidents!

“I’m so glad that the state and many companies are recognizing the importance of a diverse workforce. As a Black man in leadership, I’m very committed to being a servant leader, focused on the growth and well-being of our people and the communities to which we operate in. My focus as a leader is to always keep my team informed and help in their development so they can perform as highly as possible,” states Kerrick Henny, Port Houston Chief Government & Public Relations Officer.

Johnnie Gillyard serves as a Sergeant in our Police Department. She oversees the day shift personnel, which consists of nine officers between three terminals. She has taken on multiple roles for the department, including being a Certified Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D) Instructor, a Centurion Control Stick Instructor, a BolaWrap Instructor, and a member of the departmental TCOLE Training Advisory Board Committee.

Sergeant Gillyard is a native of Houston Texas with three decades of law enforcement experience. She joined Port Houston in November of 1992, and in September of 1994, she became the first Black woman to be promoted to Sergeant within Port Houston PD.

“I'm always working on gaining the trust of the community (tenants, ILA workers, visitors, etc.). Your ability to communicate clearly can help you earn the trust of the community in which you serve as a law enforcement officer. Interpersonal communication skills are important because they allow officers to develop a good rapport with the community, with fellow officers and those from diverse cultures, ” states Johnnie Gillyard, Port Houston Police Sergeant.

Resources

¹ Grant, Ph.D., B., & McGee, M.Ed., V. (2023, February 2). 10 facts about Black History Month: BestColleges. BestColleges.com. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/black-history-month-facts/  

² History.com Editors, (2009, October 27). Black history facts – black history month & little known facts – history. History.com. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-facts 

³ History.com Editors (2010, January 14). Black history Month 2023: Facts, origins & more | history – history. History.com. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month 

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Spotlight on Environeer Engineering Consulting, LLC.

Established in 2018, Environeer is a Texas-based minority-owned engineering consulting firm specializing in Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)permitting and compliance programs. Co-founder Michael (Xiaoyu) Zhang is an environmental engineering leader, entrepreneur, and Navy Reserve officer with more than 10 years of experience in this field. Michael considers himself as a passionate mountaineer working in environmental engineering industry, thus where the company name came from.

Environeer is committed to connecting knowledge and experience to help clients innovatively and cost-effectively solve complex EHS challenges. They are working with the Port Houston environmental team on an executive study regarding chlorinators and drinking water systems centered around the Buffalo Bayou. Other notable projects they have completed include conducting Phase I & II environmental site assessments, preparing air/water/waste permit applications, performing wetlands delineation, implementing Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), developing EHS management systems (ISO14001 & ISO45001), and EHS auditing & training.

Environeer was selected as a Rising 10 award winner by the Asian Chamber of Commerce and an Emerging 10 award winner by Houston Minority Supplier Development Council.

“As one of the graduates from Opportunity U administered by Port Houston, it’s been a fantastic experience. Throughout the program, we learned how to develop business fundamentals, understand government contracts and bidding processes, and how to become more bankable. The program gave us the opportunity to network with Port Houston decision makers and receive mentorship from experienced professionals. Our goal is to become a prime in the next few years and provide other S/MBEs with the same support we received from the Port. The partnership and friendship we formed with Port Houston’s staff, peer S/MBEs, and primes will continue to cultivate.

As small business owners we wear many hats. Personally, besides Environeer, I’m a Navy reserve officer leading sailors to build airstrips, bridges, and facilities globally; I’m an adjunct professor at Lone Star College teaching Environmental Science; and, I’m also a father of three and husband to my beautiful wife. No matter what hat we’re wearing, remember to give back to the community and pass the torch to the next generation.” – Envrioneer Engineering Consulting, LLC. Co-founder Michael (Xiaoyu) Zhang

Spotlight on SD Candy Company

SD Candy Company has been operating in the catering and concessions industry since 2008. They are a Port Houston registered minority, woman-owned business and has provided sweet treats to Port Houston’s employees, like custom popcorn gift bags and designed sugar cookies.

Established by Danielle Green and Tamicha Roberts, SD Candy Company provides organizations of all sizes multiple options for fun, satisfying food. On the catering side, the company offers unique, theme designed, interactive dessert stations and savory stations including funnel cakes, ice cream, caramel apples, mini pizzas, and tacos. SD Candy Company also offers affordable candy, party favor, and gift basket services for all occasions, from children’s birthday parties to large scale corporate events.

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Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The day of September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively.

Hispanic Heritage Month is important at Port Houston because it honors the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions, who have inspired others to achieve success. We recognize that Hispanic/Latinx people make up a significant portion of our region’s population, enriching the culture of the greater Houston area with traditions, diverse origins and unique perspectives. We celebrate the innumerable contributions of Hispanic/Latinx leaders, authors, artists, politicians, doctors, activists, mothers, fathers and more, this month and beyond.

Understanding Hispanic/Latinx Identity

Although the national recognition of “Hispanic Heritage Month” does not specifically include related terms like “Latino” or “Mexican,” understanding the multifaceted nature of these identities is important. These terms refer to ethnicity, origin, and identity, based on shared culture rather than skin color or other physical features.

1. Hispanic: Typically refers to a citizen or descendent of Spain or a Spanish-speaking country. This is primarily a reference to the shared language of Spanish, so country of origin can vary. A person from Mexico and a person from Chile may both refer to themselves as Hispanic.
2. Latino/Latina/Latinx: Typically refers to a citizen or descendant of Latin America, including South America, Central America and some parts of the Caribbean. As illustrated in the graphic above, there is overlap between Hispanic and Latinx identities, because the language and geography overlap. It is also worth noting that “Latino” and “Latina” are gendered terms for male and female, respectively, while “Latinx” is used as a gender-neutral term.
3. You may also encounter the term “Chicano,” which is sometimes used to refer to someone born in the United States to Mexican parents or grandparents. “Mexican” can also refer to a descendent or citizen of Mexico, just like “Guatemalan” would refer to a descendent or citizen of Guatemala.

If you are ever unsure what term to use, it’s best to ask the person what their preference is. This can help you avoid an awkward moment and give you a chance to learn about another person’s heritage!

Regional & Historical Fun Facts

• Greater Houston is home to one of the nation’s largest Hispanic populations, numbering more than 2.3 million people (38%) throughout the region.
• Latinos comprise 35% of the Houston metro-area labor force, holding 62% of jobs in construction, extraction and maintenance, 47% in service, and 45% in production and transportation.
• Mexican-American residents of Magnolia Park worked on dredging the Houston Ship Channel in the early 1910’s. The important role Mexican Americans played in deepening the Channel allowed larger cargo ships to enter the port.
• Hispanic/Latinx employees make up 27% of Port Houston’s workforce currently.

How to Honor Hispanic Heritage Month

…With your mind:Read more about why we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Hispanic/Latinx influences in American culture: National Hispanic American Heritage Month 2021 (hispanicheritagemonth.gov)

Hispanic Heritage Month: 8 Latinos Who Influenced American Life – NBC4 Washington (nbcwashington.com)
12 Ways Hispanic Culture Is Changing America (spanish.academy)

…With your time: There are TONS of events happening around Houston in honor of HHM, from festivals and interactive art to concerts and pop-up markets. Check out this list to find one in your neck of the woods:
2022 Houston Guide to Hispanic Heritage Month Events | 365 Houston (365thingsinhouston.com)

…With your food: There is no question that Hispanic/Latinx culture has a major influence on our region’s cuisine. Check out this list to find a new favorite eatery close to work or home:
Our Guide to Latin American Eats in Houston (visithoustontexas.com)

“In the end, the American dream is not a sprint, or even a marathon, but a relay. Our families don’t always cross the finish line in the span of one generation. But each generation passes on to the next the fruits of their labor.”
– Julian Castro, Former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

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Pride Month is important at Port Houston because it honors the historical and ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights, recognizes the humanity and validity of the LGBTQ+ community, and demonstrates the power and importance of being your authentic self. We recognize that Houston has the largest LGBTQ+ population of any city in the state of Texas, and it is essential for Port Houston to create an environment of acceptance for LGBTQ+ people in our workforce and community.

“Celebrating Pride Month is a way to honor those that have sacrificed so much, just to freely be themselves. It’s important to acknowledge PRIDE Month, here at Port Houston, because we want our LGBTQ+ to be celebrated, to feel included, and to feel at home. More importantly, we want to educate our workforce on some of the issues this community faces daily and hold our ourselves accountable to do the work and make a change,” states Ashley Cheatham, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Port Houston.

“Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States… The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.” – Library of Congress

You can read the 2022 Presidential Declaration here

History, Symbols & Celebration of Pride

Stonewall Uprising of 1969

In June of 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn gay club in New York City, sparking violent clashes as bar patrons and onlookers fought back against law enforcement. On the first anniversary of the raid, to build on this spirit of resilience, thousands of people joined in a march from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park, in what is now recognized as the world’s first gay pride parade. This day of remembrance sparked annual observances and weeks-long celebrations in the following years. In 2000, President Bill Clinton declared June “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month”.

Rainbow Flag

In 1978, gay artist Gilbert Baker was encouraged to design a symbol of pride for the gay community by Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., Baker chose to design a flag because he saw flags as the most powerful symbol of pride. Inspired by the rainbow as a “natural flag” from the sky, Baker chose six colors for the stripes, each with its own meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony and violet for spirit.

Pride in Houston

Houston is home to the fourth largest pride parade in the nation, with more than 200,000 participants in the annual event. This year, the 44th annual Houston Pride Celebration will take place in downtown Houston on Saturday, June 25th. Read more: https://pridehouston.org/

Progress Can’t be Contained…

In the spring of 2021, Maersk sent two rainbow-painted containers on a world tour to represent their commitment to inclusion and diversity. When one of these bold boxes made a stop at Port Houston, a handful of team members took a moment to sign their names inside, demonstrating their personal commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

This month, as we focus on inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, it is important to recognize both the strides we have made as a nation and the miles still to go on the journey towards acceptance. Consider the following stats:

• 54% of LGBTQ+ Americans have hidden a personal relationship to avoid discrimination
• Only 46% of gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals are open about their sexual orientation with their family, and 43% of LGBTQ+ employees have not revealed their sexual orientation at work
• Other Quick Facts about Texas LGBTQ+ community

At Port Houston, as we continue our journey towards becoming America’s distribution hub for the next generation, we are committed to making the next generation kinder and more accepting than the last – striving to do what is right within our organization and throughout our community.

How to Honor Pride Month

Through education

Pride month is a perfect time to focus on educating ourselves. Take some time this month to read about the history, challenges and dynamics of the LGBTQ+ population in America. https://www.history.com/tag/lgbt-history https://www.americanprogress.org/article/state-lgbtq-community-2020/

Through allyship

You don’t have to identify as LGBTQ+ to support the movement. Like gender-based movements, having allies of all different backgrounds is important to progress and necessary to see change. Check out some basic tips and resources on how to be a good ally and friend to LGBTQ+ people. https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/relationships-love/a28159555/how-to-be-lgbtq-ally/

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Maersk’s rainbow container made its way around the world to Port Houston’s Barbours Cut Container Terminal. This colorful container has served as a symbol of equity, inclusion and diversity where all employees, partners, and customers feel welcomed and can be themselves without judgment or fear.

The container not only serves as a symbol for Maersk, but also the entire maritime industry. The maritime industry has historically been a predominantly male world, but the industry is seeing more women and minorities entering the maritime workforce. According to the Diversity Study Group in London, employers are embracing the benefits of DEI data to support decision-making and respond to the growing importance of DEI issues.

As an international port in the most diverse city in the U.S., Port Houston has a duty to encourage and stimulate diversity, equity and inclusion in the maritime industry. In May of 2021, Port Houston formalized its commitment by officially adopting a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Position Statement. Additionally, DEI was formally established as a key priority for Port Houston with the adoption of the 2020 Strategic Plan providing direction for the entire organization.

Tom Heidt, Port Houston Chief Operating Officer, states that from his perspective, diversity can develop naturally as you strive for inclusion. He is challenging himself to intentionally bring more and different perspectives to the table, and he reminded everyone that we can all ask if we want to be included in something.

One of Port Houston’s strategic goals is to become “the best place to work.” Creating the right environment is a must to attract the specialized talent required by our multifaceted operations. A workplace culture that supports the success, psychological safety and professional confidence of every individual is the ultimate goal.

Kerrick Henny, Port Houston's Chief Government & Public Relations Officer, states that as a black man growing up two miles from the port, he recognizes that fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only morally right but also great for our business. A culture of DEI means every employee is supported, accepted, respected and safe at work, which leads to greater morale and results.

Port Houston has a tremendous opportunity to be an agent of positive change in our region and beyond, and we are grabbing that opportunity.

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