As February arrives, Bryan Texas Utilities proudly joins the nation in celebrating Black History Month. This is a time to honor the countless contributions of African American individuals to the electric industry — pioneers whose work has illuminated homes, empowered innovation, and energized communities.
Honoring Black Contributions to the Electric Industry
Lewis Latimer
One of the most celebrated figures in the electric industry is Lewis Latimer. He was a self-taught inventor and draftsman. Born in 1848 to formerly enslaved parents, Latimer’s ingenuity led to a revolutionary
improvement in the incandescent light bulb. In 1881, he patented a carbon filament that extended the bulb’s life and made it more affordable for everyday use. As a member of Thomas Edison’s engineering team, Latimer helped design the electrical systems that brought light to cities around the world.


Granville Woods
Granville Woods was another prolific inventor, earning over 60 patents in his lifetime, many of which were related to electrical systems and railroads. Woods, often referred to as the “Black Edison”, created the
multiplex telegraph, a device that allowed communication between moving trains and railway stations, enhancing safety and efficiency. A form of his “third rail” device is still the foundation for many electric transit systems today.
Hazel O'Leary
In 1993, Hazel O’Leary made history as the first woman and African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Energy, appointed by President Bill Clinton. During her four-year tenure, O’Leary led transformative
initiatives in the energy sector, including launching an aggressive cleanup of nuclear waste sites and creating an Openness Advisory Panel to increase public transparency about nuclear activities. She was
instrumental in the Clinton administration’s decision to end nuclear testing in the United States and was a passionate advocate for energy efficiency and renewable energy


photo courtesy of The Department of Energy
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, a physicist and trailblazer, became the first African American woman to earn a doctorate from MIT. Jackson served as chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and played a key role in shaping energy policy and ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants. Today, she leads the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as President.
During the month of February, let's celebrate these amazing men and women, along with all of the many lesser-known pioneers that shaped the electric industry as we know it today. We recognize that innovation thrives when diverse perspectives come together. Let’s continue to build on the legacies these leaders have built to empower generations to come.