--- title: Celebrating Changemakers in the Trowel Trades During Black History Month description: During Black History Month, we celebrated the top instructors, apprentices and social justice advocates who are creating space and opening doors for more black men and women image: https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/BHM%20Collage.png --- [![IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png?width=174&height=34&name=IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png)](https://www.imiweb.org/) - BUILDING SOLUTIONS - SOLUTIONS - [New Construction](https://www.imiweb.org/new-construction/) - [Restoration](https://www.imiweb.org/restoration/) - NEW CONSTRUCTION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/new-brick-construction/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-construction/) - [Concrete Masonry Units](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-masonry-construction/) - [Plaster, Stucco, & EIFS](https://www.imiweb.org/new-plaster-stucco-eifs-construction/) - [Rainscreen](https://www.imiweb.org/new-rainscreen-construction/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/new-stone-construction/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/new-terrazzo-construction/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/new-tile-construction/) - RESTORATION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/brick-restoration/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/concrete-restoration/) - [Plaster](https://www.imiweb.org/plaster-restoration/) - [Stucco](https://www.imiweb.org/stucco-restoration/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/stone-restoration/) - [Terra Cotta](https://www.imiweb.org/terra-cotta-restoration/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/terrazzo-restoration/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/tile-restoration/) - SEGMENTS - [Cultural and Civic](https://www.imiweb.org/cultural-civic/) - [Higher Education](https://www.imiweb.org/higher-education/) - [Multifamily Residential](https://www.imiweb.org/multifamily-residential/) - [Healthcare](https://www.imiweb.org/healthcare/) - [K-12 Education](https://www.imiweb.org/k-12-education/) - [Retail and Hospitality](https://www.imiweb.org/retail-and-hospitality/) - SERVICES & TECHNICAL RESOURCES - SERVICES - [Architect, Engineer, & Designer Services](https://www.imiweb.org/designer-services/) - [Contractor Services](https://www.imiweb.org/contractor-services/) - [Specification Services](https://www.imiweb.org/specification-language/) - RESOURCES & TOOLS - [Detailing Series](https://www.imiweb.org/detailing-series/) - [Software & Design Aids](https://www.imiweb.org/software-and-design-aids/) - EDUCATION & TRAINING - EDUCATION FOR AEC PROFESSIONALS - [A/E Webinars & Education](https://www.imiweb.org/ae-education/) - [Contractor Webinars & Education](https://www.imiweb.org/contractor-education/) - TRAINING FOR CRAFTWORKERS - [About IMTEF](https://imtef.org/) - [Become an Apprentice](https://imtef.org/careers/) - [Find a Local Training Center](https://imtef.org/imtef-training-directory/) - [Health & Safety Training](https://imtef.org/safety-health/) - [International Training Center](https://imtef.org/national-training-center/) - INSTALLER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS - [Adhered Masonry Veneer Program](https://www.imiweb.org/adhered-masonry-veneer-program/) - [Advanced Certifications in Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/advanced-certifications-in-tile/) - [Flashing Upgrade Training Program](https://www.imiweb.org/flashing-upgrade/) - [Grouting and Reinforcing Training](https://www.imiweb.org/grouting-reinforcing-training/) - [Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program](https://www.imiweb.org/historic-masonry-preservation-certificate/) - [Rainscreen Certificate Program](https://www.imiweb.org/rainscreen-certificate-program/) - [Supervisor Certification Program](https://www.imiweb.org/supervisor-certification-program/) - [Terra Cotta Installation and Repair Program](https://www.imiweb.org/terra_cotta_installation_and_repair_program/) - ABOUT IMI - ABOUT IMI - [About IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/about/) - [Team IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/team-imi/) - [News](https://info.imiweb.org/blog) - [Contact IMI](https://www.imiweb.org/contact/) - PROGRAMS & AWARDS - [BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest](https://imtef.org/iac/) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition](https://www.imiweb.org/jbcaward/) - [Masonry Camp](https://www.imiweb.org/imi-masonry-camp/) - [CONTACT](https://www.imiweb.org/imicontact/) - ![](https://imiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/icn-search-nav.png) ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News [February 25, 2022](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/celebrating-the-changemakers-during-black-history-month) [Leave a comment](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/celebrating-the-changemakers-during-black-history-month#comments-listing) [Apprenticeship](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprenticeship) [From Job Corps Student to National Program Director: Jonas Elmore](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/from-job-corps-student-to-national-program-director-jonas-elmore) [Structural and Non-Structural Masonry Workout for a New Fieldhouse](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/structural-and-non-structural-masonry-workout-for-a-new-fieldhouse) # Celebrating Changemakers in the Trowel Trades During Black History Month ![BHM Collage](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/BHM%20Collage.png?width=1920&name=BHM%20Collage.png) We're proud to celebrate Black History Month by spotlighting our talented instructors, directors, apprentices, and social justice advocates making waves in the union trowel trades industry. Meet these changemakers working to open doors for more black men and women to enjoy family-sustaining careers as craftworkers with the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC).  ## Meet The Changemakers ![Serenia Article](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Serenia%20Article.png?width=177&name=Serenia%20Article.png) Serenia Holland *Director of Education Operations, IMTEF* "The best part of my job is that I get to meet people from all over the world just by coming in to work! Over the years I have had the honor of seeing the classes grow and become more diverse. We have more black men and women entering these spaces and excelling."     ![Justin Article](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Justin%20Article.png?width=177&name=Justin%20Article.png) Justin Bennett *BAC Local 3 New York brick apprentice * "We need more exposure, and more people like me to take advantage of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. It's unfortunate that many don't know these opportunities exist. I want to see more African Americans entering the trades, building their skills, and achieving status."     ![Jordan Article](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Jordan%20Article.png?width=177&name=Jordan%20Article.png) Jordan Richardson *Restoration apprentice, BAC Local 1 New York * "There is so much space in the industry and I would like for us to come up with more ways to attract more black men and women. To any person of color, my advice is that you give it your best try, be open to new experiences, and know that there are many doors waiting to be opened in this industry."   ![Terrance Article](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Terrance%20Article.png?width=177&name=Terrance%20Article.png) Terrance Singleton *Tile apprentice, BAC Local 7 New York/ New Jersey * "If we see more African Americans owning businesses in the trades and sharing their wins, they will serve as examples for all of us. Everyone will see that there are opportunities for growth in the trades."     ![Jackie Article](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Jackie%20Article.png?width=177&name=Jackie%20Article.png) Jackie Townsend *IMI Brick instructor, Paul Simon Job Corps Center* "I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life when I stumbled on Chicago Women in Trades. I went through their technical opportunities program and fell in love with bricklaying after a trip to the training center. I was hooked. Today as a Job Corps instructor It does something to me when I can teach a person that looks like me that we can become something in this industry and thrive."   ![Kay Article](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Kay%20Article.png?width=177&name=Kay%20Article.png) Kay Whigan *Welding instructor, BAC/IMI International Training Center* "My job is to motivate my students, white, black, if they have an attitude that day or not. I want them to be and do better when they leave the International Training Center because our unions deserve that."     Follow IMI on social media to read more about these individuals and their successes.    [Apprenticeship](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprenticeship) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fcelebrating-the-changemakers-during-black-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fcelebrating-the-changemakers-during-black-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fcelebrating-the-changemakers-during-black-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fcelebrating-the-changemakers-during-black-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Celebrating%20Changemakers%20in%20the%20Trowel%20Trades%20During%20Black%20History%20Month) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fcelebrating-the-changemakers-during-black-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Fcelebrating-the-changemakers-during-black-history-month%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Related posts [![Pride in the Craft Sets Keystone Job Corps Students Up for Successful Careers](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/Screenshot%20(3).png)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/pride-in-the-craft-sets-keystone-job-corps-students-up-for-successful-careers) ##### [Pride in the Craft Sets Keystone Job Corps Students Up for Successful Careers](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/pride-in-the-craft-sets-keystone-job-corps-students-up-for-successful-careers) If Keystone Job Corps instructor Robert Gatz teaches his students one thing, it’s to take pride in their work.But that should... By [Elizabeth Kekeris](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/pride-in-the-craft-sets-keystone-job-corps-students-up-for-successful-careers/author/elizabeth-kekeris) - December 9, 2021 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/pride-in-the-craft-sets-keystone-job-corps-students-up-for-successful-careers) [![National Apprenticeship Week and Why it Matters](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(4).png)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/national-apprenticeship-week-and-why-it-matters) ##### [National Apprenticeship Week and Why it Matters](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/national-apprenticeship-week-and-why-it-matters) Last week, we celebrated National Apprenticeship Week by spotlighting the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied... By [Henrieta Muradzikwa](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/national-apprenticeship-week-and-why-it-matters/author/henrieta-muradzikwa) - November 24, 2021 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/national-apprenticeship-week-and-why-it-matters) Search ### Categories - [Training (27)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training) - [Sustainable Design (23)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/sustainable-design) - [Energy Efficiency (21)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/energy-efficiency) - [Conferences and Events (16)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/conferences-and-events) - [Tile (15)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/tile) - [Apprenticeship (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprenticeship) - [Structural Masonry (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/structural-masonry) - [Historic Masonry Restoration (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/historic-masonry-restoration) - [Instructor Certification Program (ICP) (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/instructor-certification-program-icp) - [Masonry Camp (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry-camp) - [masonry (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry) - [Member Spotlight (6)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/member-spotlight) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/jbc-masonry-innovation-competition) - [Stone (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/stone) - [Apprentice Contest (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprentice-contest) - [Building Code (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/building-code) - [Project Feature (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/project-feature) #### ![logo-ftr-1](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-ftr-1.png?width=200&height=41&name=logo-ftr-1.png) BAC/IMI International Training Center 17101 Science Drive Bowie, MD 20715 [Privacy Policy​](https://imiweb.org/imi-privacy-policy/) | [Contact Us​](https://imiweb.org/contact-imi/) **Related Organizations** [International Masonry Training and Education Foundation](https://imtef.org/) [International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://bacweb.org/) [International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://www.icebac.org/) [Tile Contractors’ Association of America](https://www.tcaainc.org/) ### Sign up for updates from IMI © International Masonry Institute. All Rights Reserved.