In honor of Black History Month (BHM), we will be introducing you to Black Engagement Council (BEC) members throughout the month of February. More information about Black History Month and the BEC’s 2022 BHM celebration is included at the end of this article.
Simon Kiratu
Heritage (Nationality or Ethnicity): Kenyan
Favorite Black Historical Figure: Nelson Mandela
Favorite Quote: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Fredrick Douglass
Years at EB: One-and-a-half years
Department: D448 Ship Control
Title/Position at EB: Comm. Systems Engineer
Title/Position in BEC: Director of Internal Programs
How would you answer the question: Who are you?
I was born and raised in a beautiful country called Kenya, which I suggest you visit if you have the chance. When I came to the United States, I resided in Baltimore, Maryland. I attended Morgan State University where I obtained my undergraduate Electrical Engineering degree. I moved to New London to work at EB after working with Hitachi Rail STS in Baltimore for a few months. I have been employed at EB for about one-and-a-half years and I’m currently working in the Ship Control department while also pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Arkansas.
Why do you like working at Electric Boat?
I like working at EB because I have the chance to work on one of the most complex machines that rules the underwater. EB gives me a chance to connect with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and experience levels.
Why does the BEC matter to you?
The BEC matters to me because it creates a safe place for the minority communities at EB. The BEC and its members are here to let you know you are not alone, especially when you want to talk to someone during difficult times in the black community, like after the murder of George Floyd. Also, it allows me to work with like-minded coworkers whom I can collaborate with and also support our community.
Auguste Estriplet
Heritage (Nationality or Ethnicity): Haitian American
Favorite Black Historical Figure: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Favorite Quote: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King
Years at EB: Five years
Department: 448
Title/Position at EB: T/A Electronics
Title/Position in BEC: BEC Member
How would you answer the question: Who are you?
I started working at Electric Boat in 2016 in D241 as an Outside Electrician. While working here, I have been able to transfer into various roles such as a Sonar Tech in D278 and now as a Fly-By-Wire Technician in D448.
I was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to Haitian and Dominican parents. At the age of eight years old, I moved to Brooklyn, New York to live with my grandparents. As a child, my grandparents instilled in me the belief that hard work would help me achieve my goals. I was able to bring these values to EB, which have helped me to grow into a great coworker and friend. I hope to use these values in the BEC.
I graduated from New England Technical with an associate’s degree in Electrical Technology. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym and playing basketball.
Why do you like working at Electric Boat?
I appreciate working for a company that has been around for over 100 years. EB is a vital part of our country’s defense and the sense of stability and security that the company offers makes EB stand out above other companies. Knowing the importance of what we do at GDEB motivates me to do my best.
Why does the BEC matter to you?
The BEC matters to me because I enjoy the diversity and being part of a group that has a positive impact on the community. I believe that it is important that African Americans are involved in organizations like the BEC. Although I have not yet been involved in a BEC event, I am eager to learn and explore all that the group has to offer.
Black History Month (BHM) 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 and their central role in U.S. history. 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 47 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 the weekly EB Community News email to learn more about Black history and upcoming events. For more information, please contact EB_BEC@gdeb.com.
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