Washington Gas is honored to celebrate Black History Month and each week during February 2024 we will profile one of our employees and what Black History means to them.
Black History Month Profile #1 – Tracye D. Funn, Manager Corporate Contributions
I believe the celebration, reflection and legacy of Afro-Americans should be recognized year-round and not just in February and I make every effort to always honor my ancestors. Both of my parents were educators, having taught a combined 101 years. They instilled in me a sense of pride about my race and our accomplishments despite cultural, political, social, and economic challenges.
My father, Carlton A. Funn, Sr., was particularly concerned that his students did not have that pride due to a lack of curriculum. While teaching a history class to Alexandria seventh graders in 1957 — three years after the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed public school segregation, he was shocked to see the school system using a dated and racially offensive textbook on Virginia history. It depicted slaves as cheerful and docile. It was also the same book the Alexandria school system had used when he was a student. He complained to the principal but was ordered not to make waves.
Instead, he acted and founded the National International Cultural Exhibit (NICE) in the 1960s, a travelling collection of pamphlets, books, artifacts, and teaching resources. It was shown more than 500 times in 13 states and included 287 tables and 1,500 display boards. The collection is now permanently included as part of the Alexandria Black History Museum collection. I was always most proud when Dad lectured at every school I attended – from elementary to Hampton University, my alma mater.
Today, the internet provides a wealth of learning opportunities, and there are games that help teach us about our heritage. Sadly, there are those who seek to diminish our contributions and prevent the next generation from not only learning about their ancestry but depriving them of their legacy.
I remain diligent by joining organizations that help bridge the gap for cultural exchange and I volunteer and serve in spaces that help address diversity and build inclusivity. I am fortunate to support organizations in both my professional career and personal life that bring voice to the call to promote awareness, human dignity, and cultural understanding – the 3 teaching mantras incorporated in the NICE curriculum. I have held leadership positions in philanthropy, community outreach, supplier diversity, and advocacy and all have been opportunities to reinforce what my Dad taught me. I encourage individuals and societies collectively to learn about each other, respect the differences and acknowledge and appreciate who we are and our cultural contributions.
I have met some of Tracye’s relatives and they are indeed a remarkable family. They have accomplished renown in the fields of music & law as well as education. She has brought to Washington Gas.
I have met some of Tracye’s relatives and they are indeed a remarkable family. They have accomplished renown in the fields of music & law as well as education. She has brought that same exuberance to her career at Washington Gas.