Washington Gas is honored to celebrate Black History Month 2025 we will profile a few of our employees and what Black History means to them.
James Conyers
Account Manager
Black History Month is a time for reflection and remembrance — an opportunity to honor those who paved the way so that I can enjoy rights, privileges, and freedoms often taken for granted. I am both a direct descendant and an indirect recipient of Black history in the making.
Born in Greensboro, N.C., I was raised by my great-grandmother, who worked for the founder of The Palmer Memorial Institute in Sedalia, NC. Established in 1902, Palmer was the only institution that offered college preparatory courses to Black North Carolinians at that time
Growing up on the Palmer campus—now a historical site—and attending Bethany Church, where the school was first initiated, I took my surroundings for granted. Like many young people, I didn’t fully appreciate the rich heritage I was immersed in. It wasn’t until I left home that I truly understood the depth of that legacy and the pride I should carry in it.
Now, with the wisdom of experience, I see how my cultural heritage has shaped my outlook and approach to work. I deeply appreciate the lessons my great-grandmother instilled in me—the history she shared and the wisdom she passed down. She often quoted The Right Thing, a book by Dr. Brown, the founder of Palmer Institute. At the time, I didn’t realize how much those moments would shape me, but they became integral to my identity and values.
Black History Month is a federally recognized opportunity to celebrate, but history is all around us every day. I encourage everyone to take time to learn about their family history. Your grandmother, that distant cousin, an uncle you only see once a year—each of them holds stories that will be lost if not preserved. Listen, share, and document what they have to say.
Having lived through the Civil Rights Era, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the hard-won rights that can so easily be eroded if we’re not vigilant. Much like data, history can be erased from the surface but never truly disappears. The truth will always find a way back.
Wisdom and creativity are limitless, colorless, and powerful. Great companies celebrate great accomplishments at all levels. Seeing diversity in leadership fosters a sense of belonging and pride among employees. I want to feel included, valued, and proud—and I want the same for everyone who follows.
