In honor of Black History Month (BHM), we will be introducing you to Black Engagement Council (BEC) Executive Board members throughout the month of February. More information about Black History Month and the 2021 BEC BHM Celebration is included at the end of the Member Profile.
Name: Liam Sampson
Heritage (Nationality or Ethnicity): South African
Favorite Black Historical Figure: Nelson Mandela
Years at EB: 1
Department: 412
Title/Position at EB: Structural Engineer
Title/Position in BEC: Director of Internal Programs
Who is Liam Sampson?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago but my family came from South Africa—a beautiful country if you ever get the chance to visit. I graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology. I earned my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and commissioned into the Connecticut Army National Guard.
Why do you like working at Electric Boat?
Electric Boat is a great place to sink your feet into a remarkable structure. The projects are comprehensive and very rewarding once you are finally finished. Every piece of machinery has its own story of how it came to be. The story reflects the history of every single Electric Boat employee who’s put time and effort into their work. The people here as well are great, and I could not have asked for a more wholesome group of coworkers.
Why does the BEC matter to you?
The Black Engagement Council is important for people of color to have a voice and presence in the company. There are still many unfortunate interactions we face in the country. The BEC is here to let you know you’re not alone.
Black History Month is an annual celebration, originating in the United States, where a specific time is set aside to recognize and acknowledge the many accomplishments and contributions African Americans have made to the scientific, educational and social justice fabric of our country. Globally, it is a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
Black History Month began in 1926 as a week-long event encouraging the coordinated teaching of the history of Black Americans in the nation’s public schools. A specific week in February was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and of Frederick Douglass on February 14; both of which are dates Black communities had celebrated together since the late 19th century. After initial lukewarm response, the celebration grew to a month-long celebration in February–44 years later. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio in 1970.
The Black Engagement Council (BEC) is celebrating BHM with a series of events and information posted to Homeport. Check the Homeport Calendar and EB Community News to learn more about Black History and upcoming events. For more information, contact EB_BEC@gdeb.com.
