2023 Black History Celebration: Honoring the Pioneers in Cleveland

Black History Celebration: Honoring the Pioneers in Cleveland & Recognizing the Importance of the 3R's: Relationship, Reciprocity, and Return

Considering the racial and gender makeup of Greater Cleveland, in terms of minority participation, the construction industry has been underserved for over 100 years. At the same time, pioneers such as Robert P. Madison, Leroy Ozanne, Fred Perkins, Al Sanchez, Lonnie Coleman, and Curtis Thompson Sr. have paved the way for African Americans, Hispanics and women to have a seat at the table.

But, despite honing their crafts and building sustainable businesses that are now entering into second and third generation, unfortunately many of the hurdles they had to overcome continue to exist. 

Fatima Ware, WTD Mechanical / CAA Vice President provided welcome and made the following opening comments:

"The reason we are here today is to celebrate our distinguished pioneers that paved the way for diversity and inclusion in construction. On behalf of all CAA members, our CAA president - Adrian Maldonaldo, Secretary - Rhoni Thompson, Treasurer - Heather Baines, and our Executive Director Glen Shumate, we celebrate the immeasurable contribution that Black people have made to the infrastructure of this country, in this state and more specifically the city of Cleveland. We would like to thank and recognize the elected and public officials for their support. We recognize these giants in Greater Cleveland’s construction community, that persevered through discrimination and adversity to open doors in the industry and the minority community. 

Without their commitment and command of their crafts, as well as their sacrifices, resilience, and pursuit of excellence, many of us would not benefit from the opportunities allotted to all people of color today. Because of the shoulders that we stand on we now have the ability and responsibility to continue to pave the way for future contractors of color. We appreciate and encourage those that have, can and should support of equity and inclusion." 

The purpose of the current CAA is to create, within CEA, an organization consisting of the owners of majority, minority and female firms that would collaborate to develop and support mentor-protégé and assistance programs. The goal is to grow competitive, union-affiliated minority and female construction companies, promote construction education and pre-apprenticeship training for young people, especially Cleveland Metropolitan School District students, and promote employment goals as well as targeted hiring programs to provide career opportunities for Cleveland residents, minorities, and women.

Currently, CAA has 65 members including architects, contractors, engineering and professional service firms and recently elected its newest slate of officers are Adrian Maldonado, president; Fatima Ware, vice president; Heather Baines, treasurer and Rhoni Thompson, secretary.