February 3, 2026

From L to R: MWRD Commissioners Yumeka Brown, Precious Brady-Davis, President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, and Commissioners Beth McElroy Kirkwood and Sharon Waller present the Pan-African Flag to be raised outside the MWRD's Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St. on Feb. 2.

Staff and commissioners from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) kicked off the 100th anniversary of Black History Month by lifting every voice and raising the Pan-African Flag in salute to African Americans.

At the outset of each February, the MWRD holds flag raising ceremonies with remarks outside the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St., and seven water reclamation plants throughout Cook County in a demonstration of pride for the African Americans who the MWRD serves and the many African Americans who work and contribute to the essential services that the MWRD provides in protecting the region's water environment. View the MWRD's flag raising ceremony on the MWRD's YouTube channel here.

"The flag will fly high across our facilities for the entire month to serve as a reminder of our shared commitment to honor and uplift Black communities and celebrate the rich history and contributions of Black people," said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. "The Pan-African flag itself carries deep meaning. Its colors tell a story of struggle, pride, and hope."

MWRD staff raise the Pan-African Flag in salute of Black History Month outside of the MWRD's Main Office Building.

The MWRD will celebrate Black History Month throughout February to highlight the agency's commitment to diversity, support of the Black community and to honor the achievements of African Americans in the fields of water, science, technology, engineering and math. On Feb. 26, the MWRD will host "100 Years of Black Excellence in STEM and Water Sectors," from noon to 1 p.m. for a special luncheon honoring the contributions and enduring legacy of Black Americans in STEM careers.

The luncheon gathering will focus on their experiences, achievements, and impact on driving progress in the water sector. The featured speaker is Dr. Kelli Easterly, managing director of STEM, Distinctive Schools. She leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality STEM learning experiences across the network.

The MWRD will also participate in the Black Creativity Career Showcase at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on Feb. 14. These events promote Black History Month as a powerful, symbolic celebration and a time for acknowledgement, reflection and inspiration.

"We celebrate Black History Month, continuing this tradition to ensure that the stories of resilience, innovation, and triumph are not only remembered but celebrated," said MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn. "The Pan-African flag serves as a beacon of empowerment and a call to action to continue the fight for equity and justice in every space we occupy."

Members of the Black Fire Brigade, which operates an educational training center for future first responders in a former Chicago firehouse located at 5349 S. Wabash Ave., join MWRD operating engineers to celebrate Black History Month.

Black History Month traces its roots back to 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson initiated a movement to acknowledge the importance of highlighting the achievements and struggles of the African American community for one week in February.

"As we witness the raising of this flag, let us be reminded of the unity, pride, and respect it symbolizes for Black history," said MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown. "This flag-raising ceremony represents a commitment to fostering unity and understanding among our diverse communities."

The history of the red, black and green flag began on August 31, 1920, when the First International Convention of the Universal Negro Improvement Association in New York was held. More than 25,000 people of African descent from all over the world attended this conference led by the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey. The red of the flag represented the blood African people shed, while the black describes people of African descent and the green describes the continent of Africa, the land from which African people descended.

"As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the contributions of Black leaders and innovators who have shaped history and continue to inspire us,"

said MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis. "Let this flag remind us of our collective power, our resilience, and our ability to transform communities through hope, advocacy, and action."

From L to R: Commissioner Sharon Waller, Operating Engineer Cornelius Kates, Commissioner Yumeka Brown, Assistant Chief Operating Engineer Tommy Hullum, President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood and Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis commemorate Black History Month after Kates and Hullum raised the Pan-African Flag.

Register for the Feb. 26 event at https://mwrd.org/events/waves-innovation-100-years-black-excellence-stem-and-water.

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