In observance of African American History Month, PJM employees volunteered to gather and share information about their personal heroes. Look for additional postings from more PJM employees throughout the month.

Yonas K. Habtemichael, engineer – System Planning

When asked how he was influenced by his hero, Habtemichael said:

My hero is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist – William Henry “Bill” Cosby, Jr. . Cosby is well-known for producing and starring in the 1980s sitcom The Cosby Show which highlighted the experiences and growth of an African American family. The show was unprecedented since it was the first show to portray an intelligent and affluent African American family with two college educated, financially successful parents – a lawyer and a doctor. Cosby used his creativity and humor to produce a revolutionary sitcom which demonstrated to America that African Americans and other ethnicities could also achieve and live the “American dream”. Though not as visible as he was before, Cosby is still very active in efforts to uplift the African American community. He tirelessly urges African American parents to focus on education, self-respect, self-improvement and good moral behavior for their children. Though Cosby’s message is directed to African Americans, the principles he communicates are applicable to any family regardless of ethnic background – a significant reason that Cosby is my hero.

Ernest Owens, master dispatcher – Dispatch
According to Owens, Grambling State University football coach Doug Williams is his hero because Williams was a pioneer of new beginnings. Williams was the first African American quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, among many other accomplishments.

In 1988, Williams beat out Hall-of-Famer John Elway and the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII, becoming the first and only African American to win a Super Bowl as a starting quarterback. He threw four touchdown passes in the second quarter to lead the Redskins to a 42-10 victory; he was named the Super Bowl most valuable player.

In observance of African American History Month, PJM employees volunteered to gather and share information about their personal heroes. Look for additional postings from more PJM employees throughout the month.

Risa Holland, client manager – Member Relations

Holland’s grandmother, Mrs. Lula B. H. Odum, is her personal hero.

“I believe my craving for knowledge began with the stories my grandmother told me as a child,” Holland says. “I remember how she read to me, and my siblings, my cousins and many other children that somehow always made a way to her home. By her example she taught many women in my family how to be strong and persevere. She not only touched our lives but the lives of so many other children as she taught and encouraged them to go on to greater things. Although “MaDear” is not famous, I feel that her contribution to my family, her community and to society have made her my hero.”

Holland shares the following history about her grandmother:

On July 14, 1906, a baby girl was born to Jonah and Jessie Hall in Webster County, Ga. As a child, on a family farm, the tasks assigned to her were many and varied. “MaDear” always told everyone that she had a hard life but a good life.

Education for young African American children was not a priority; however, due to her intelligence, “MaDear” learned and began teaching other African American children of various age groups in a one-room school house at age 17. She completed her house work and farm work, then would walk three miles to teach at the school.

At age 35, “MaDear” went to college and graduated. She continued to teach, mother, nurse, counsel and help all of her students until she retired in 1971.

Andrew Wanjalla, co-op – Corporate Applications

“President Barack Obama inspired me to believe that in life no dream is impossible as long as you dedicate yourself, have a clear compelling vision and believe in your abilities,” Wanjalla said.  “He defied the odds and made history by becoming the first African American president to be elected to office. This set a new benchmark for what is achievable by the African American community.”

In observance of African American History Month, PJM employees volunteered to gather and share information about their personal heroes. Look for additional postings from more PJM employees throughout the month.

Annaka Portray, senior IT auditor – Internal Audit
Portray was inspired by Evelyn Boyd Granville’s education journey. Granville was the second African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics (Yale in 1949).

“Her experience and higher education achievement motivated me to pursue my interests in information technology,” Portray said.

Audrey Williams, contract administrator – Office – General Counsel
Williams counts Captain C.A. “Pete” Tzomes – the first African American to command a U.S. submarine – among her personal heroes.

Williams said: “African Americans in America have had many struggles in supporting their families, especially in the South.  One of the ways out of their present circumstances, and a means to provide for their families, was to join the United States Armed Forces.  Pete Tzomes not only provided for his family, but also succeeded through his hard work and dedication to his military craft.”

Esrick McCartha, client manager – Member Relations

“Carter G. Woodson’s hopes to raise awareness of African Americans’ contributions to civilization has had profound impact on my identity as an African American,” McCartha said. “Woodson compelled me to study those who have come before me to help shape my identity through their dedication, commitment and sacrifice for freedom.”

Woodson, one of the first African Americans to receive a doctorate from Harvard in 1912, dedicated his career to the field of African American history and lobbied extensively to establish African American History Month as a nationwide institution.

In observance of African American History Month, PJM employees volunteered to gather and share information about their personal heroes. Here’s what they had to say:

John Hadrick, senior telecommunications analyst – Telecom Infrastructure
Hadrick shared how his older brother, banking industry innovator James William Wright (1943-2010), was a positive influence on him. He said, “My father died when I was 19 years old.  At that time I didn’t need or consider anyone else a possible role model.  Fortunately I had older siblings to help fill that void.”

Hadrick provided the following summary about his brother.

Wright worked in the banking industry for over 40 years. From 1981 to 1990, he served as president and CEO of Beneficial National Bank in Wilmington, De.  During this time, he was one of only two African Americans to serve as president and CEO of majority owned financial institutions in this country.  In 1991, Wright decided to pursue a dream of owning his own bank.  Joined by three other investors, he purchased what was then known as the Tuskegee Federal Savings and Loan Association.  It was the oldest continually operating minority financial institution in the United States, created in 1894 by Booker T. Washington on the campus of what was then Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) located in Tuskegee, Ala.

Wright changed the bank name and created a full service state chartered commercial bank.  As president and CEO of what is now First Tuskegee Bank in Tuskegee, Ala., Wright transformed the bank into one of the fastest growing and most profitable financial institutions in the state.  The bank also received national attention and is consistently ranked among the top 25 minority owned financial institutions in the country.

Now, over 20 years later, First Tuskegee Bank is still thriving led by Wright’s son Neill S. Wright who is currently chairman, president and CEO.

Jacqulynn Hugee, assistant general counsel – Office of General Counsel
Hugee counts Wilma Rudolph – the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field events at the Olympics – among those who have been a positive influence on her.

“Wilma Rudolph is one of my heroes because she taught me that there are no impediments that I can’t overcome and that if I work hard I can achieve my goals,” Hugee said. “In my view, she was the epitome of courage, determination, dedication, strength and perseverance.”

Look for additional postings from more PJM employees throughout the month.

By Sheila Volinsky

PJM employees care for their communities in many ways. We asked employees to share with us videos they made that showcase and explain how they give back – whether serving meals at a homeless shelter; running to support a charity; or building homes for those in need.

One employee’s inspiring video raises awareness of breast cancer and shows her support for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

We plan to feature other employee-made videos throughout the year. Visit community.pjm.com to learn more about how employees participate in community, civic and health-related projects to enhance and support their communities.