A5 The Afro-American February 15, 2025 - February 21, 2025
Volume 133 No. 29
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THE BLACKwww.afro.com MEDIA AUTHORITY • AFRO.COM
Volume 123 No. 20–22
FEBRUARY 15, 2025 - FEBRUARY 21, 2025
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Black Engineer Magazine
AFRO Photo / Edoghogho Ugiagbe
Tyrone D. Taborn is publisher, chairman and CEO of Career Communications Group, which hosts the BEYA conference each year in efforts to connect and support Black people in the science, technology, engineering and math industries. The event also honors great Black Americans who have made their mark via service to their country in the Armed Forces. This week, he speaks on the U.S. military’s decision to remove recruitment tables from the 2025 BEYA conference as a result of an executive order by the 47th president of the United States. The event has served as a heavy recruitment event and a space for young people to link with mentors in the military for years.
BEYA founder warns of crisis after military abandons STEM conference support By Tyrone D. Taborn Word in Black
afro.com
Our military has always stood as a pillar of unity for our nation, built upon the sacrifices and courage of all Americans, regardless of race. But the recent decision to withdraw military recruiters from leading engineering conferences like the Black Engineer of the Year event sends a troubling message: the people who have fought to defend this nation and advanced its technological progress for centuries are being sidelined in the very fields that have helped secure our future. This is not just a setback for diversity—it is a direct threat to our nation’s security. From the time of the
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Revolutionary War, when one of the first casualties was a Black man, African Americans have fought in every major conflict this country has seen. Yet, despite their sacrifices, Black men and women have often been relegated to the most dangerous, degrading, and underappreciated roles. During the Civil War, new Colored troops helped turn the tide for the Union, yet their contributions were too often overlooked. Even in modern times, the struggle to be seen as equals in our armed forces continues, as Black soldiers remain underrepresented in leadership positions, despite their undeniable qualifications. The military had made
significant strides in breaking down barriers — racial, institutional, and cultural — over the years. From the integration of Black soldiers into units during and after World War II to the rise of the Tuskegee Airmen, America has made progress in recognizing the value of all its citizens in the defense of this great nation. But the military’s recent withdrawal from key engineering and science conferences that have long been avenues for recruiting the nation’s most talented and diverse minds sends a message that we are regressing. The Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) event, for example, has been a beacon for the brightest engineers, scientists and technologists in the coun-
try, many of whom are people of color. Each year, Clear Communications Group, of which I am publisher, chairman and CEO, connects Black scientists, tech experts, engineers and mathematicians with job opportunities. There are also opportunities for
“We risk losing future leaders who could make a lasting impact on national security.” young people to be matched up with mentors. These students — many from historically Black colleges and universities — are being denied the opportunity to serve their country in vital roles because
NNPA launches national public education and selective buying campaign By NNPA Press Room The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, has announced the planning and implementation of a national public education and selective buying campaign across the nation in direct response to those corporate entities that have dismantled their respective Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) commitments, programs and staffing. NNPA Chairman Emeritus Danny Bakewell Sr. explained, “Now is the time for the Black Press of America once again to emphatically
military recruiters are no longer attending. It is not just the loss of interviews; it is the loss of access to some of the best and brightest minds that could strengthen our national defense and push technological innovation forward. This decision undermines
speak and publish truth to power.” “We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America,” stated NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. “The Black Press of America continues to remain on the frontline keeping our families and communities informed and engaged on all the issues that impact our quality of life.” At a recent convening of NNPA member publishers and editors, a united resolve was reached that each member publication of the NNPA Continued on A3
decades of hard-won progress. We see it clearly in the history of military leadership. Many of our top generals, leaders who have shaped the military into what it is today, are graduates of historically
Black engineering programs. Without continued engagement with these talented communities, we risk losing future leaders who could make a lasting impact on national security. This is not just a disservice to the people who are being excluded — it is a disservice to every American who relies on the military to safeguard their freedom and security. This country has a long history of ignoring, overlooking and underestimating the contributions of marginalized communities. But history has Continued on A5
See more about the military’s decision to cut recruitment efforts at the 2025 BEYA conference on A5.
The road to recovery: Altadena families struggle to rebuild after devastating wildfires By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com On Jan. 7, the day the Eaton fire began to blaze in Southern California, 42-year-old Shai McCall did not think much of it at first. She’s lived in her family’s Altadena home all of her life, and it’s not unusual to see fires burning in the San Gabriel Mountains. “We’ve had several wildfires, but they’ve never come down,” said McCall. “You pack a bag for one day and put some clothes in it. Then you come home. Nothing major.” She wishes she took it more seriously this time. The Eaton fire obliterated more than 9,000 structures and damaged nearly 1,100 others. One of those structures was McCall’s family home where she lived with her aging parents, younger sister and nieces. All that’s left are the remains of a front porch, entryway and chimney. The neighbor to the right of her has a chimney and a mailbox. The neighbor to the left has nothing. “Every day, it’s ‘don’t cry,’” said McCall. “That’s the goal, just don’t cry.” McCall discovered her home was lost after being sent a video from another neighbor who attempted to put the fire out with a hose. Unfortunately, no water came out. Continued on A3
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