2023 Moving to Equity Report - Report - Page 19
Billy Thornton, Mississippi Power vice president of
External Affairs, reflected on the progress made in
the fight against injustice and the symbolic change
represented by the adoption of the new Mississippi
state flag.
“Medgar and Myrlie Evers are icons of the civil rights
movement. Growing up in Copiah County, I sadly
witnessed some of the injustices they sought to
change. Reflecting on those times, I see how far we
have come. There is still work to do, but there has
been a lot of progress,” Thornton said.
Celebrating Unity and Change
At the 52nd Annual Legislative Conference of
the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Southern
Company celebrated unity and change by honoring
Atlanta’s National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
The event, commemorating Black History Month,
focused on crucial aspects such as job access, economic
security and fostering small-disadvantaged businesses
in Black communities. Henry expressed his gratitude for
the invitation, stating, “It aligns with the meaningful
work Southern Company and the Technology
Organization are doing every day to improve diversity,
equity and inclusion outcomes across our footprint.”
Furthermore, the event announced a significant
investment of approximately $90 million to support
cybersecurity apprenticeships specifically designed
for underrepresented groups, underlining the
commitment to creating more inclusive opportunities
in the cybersecurity sector.
During the “Evening of Excellence,” Chris Womack,
chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company,
emphasized the significance of the partnership with
the center.
“Our partnership exemplifies the commitment we
make to our communities,” stated Womack. “We
recognize the importance of leveraging our collective
influence, resources and knowledge to address social
issues, promoting a future built on understanding,
respect, unity and equity.”
The “Evening of Excellence” is an annual celebration
hosted by Southern Company in conjunction with
CBC’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington,
D.C. It brings together thought leaders, influencers and
change-makers to honor remarkable contributions to
their communities. This year marked the 28th year of
Southern Company’s support for the CBC’s conference.
Looking Ahead
Equity in Tech Roundtable
Curley Henry, vice president and deputy chief
information security officer at Southern Company,
actively contributed to a White House roundtable
on cybersecurity in the Black community. As one
of the distinguished Black cybersecurity leaders
invited, Henry provided valuable insights on security,
economic prosperity and expanding opportunities in
the tech industry for underrepresented communities.
We will persist in cultivating cross-party
alliances, fostering a forum for bipartisan
discussions on policy matters aligned with Our
Values. We will continue to seek opportunities to
utilize and deploy federal resources across Southern
Company, including those available from the Inflation
Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act, to improve our service delivery and enrich
our communities. The impact of our work extends far
beyond achievements – it’s about shaping a future
that reflects justice, equity and dignity for all.
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