During a previous Black History Month, I wrote about how this annual celebration
had its origins in education. Today, CTE provides tremendous opportunities for
Black people, as well as people of every race, gender, and ethnicity.
Black History Month has been around since 1926, with a different theme each
year. This year’s theme, African Americans and Labor, is intended to encourage
reflections on intersections between Black people’s work and their workplaces.
The good news for young Black people today – There’s never been a better time to
acquire abilities that lead to good, high-paying careers in the skilled trades,
regardless of who you are – NEVER!
The creator of Black History Month, Carter G. Woodson wrote how educational
opportunities determined the life people create for themselves. He believed the
ability to make a living is determined by how well people use their educational
alternatives. He argued, vocational schools in his time only focused on training
Black students to develop a set of technical skills and not on developing all their
abilities. He would be pleased that – developing students’ natural abilities and
interests are fundamental to today’s CTE, for every race.
Woodson’s philosophy of nurturing critical & creative thinking is central to CTE.
That’s why he would recommend it to help his people succeed today.
One of the reasons often stated for the low numbers of Blacks in the skilled trades
is the lack of notable Black tradesmen as role models, even though there are
famous African Americans who’ve done exceptional work in every field –
including the skilled trades. For example, Alexander Miles invented a new way to
open and close elevator doors. How about Charles Vernon Stewart, who become
the first African American admitted into Greer College, a trade school for
electricians. After graduation, he founded the Taylor Electric Company.
These pioneers, and countless other African American men and women in the
trades have paved the way for young Backs today to take advantage of the
unlimited skilled trade career opportunities with a CTE program.
Since the industrial revolution, Blacks have always played a key role in advancing
skilled trades. Their contributions deserve recognition.
Through Career & Technical Education, the skilled trades offer endless
opportunities for African Americans to become highly successful tradesmen,
business owners, or BOTH. Being a tradesman is no longer about race or gender.
Countless African Americans are at the top of their field in every industry. The
need for skilled workers today is greater than ever before. That’s why CTE is now
the best path to successful careers for
most people. Is it for you?
I train people of every race and gender to
become highly paid professional
mechanics. Similar opportunities exist in all
trades. Employers don’t care about your
race – only your skills and your work-
ethic! They will pay a lot for both.
Take advantage of CTE today!
Unlock career doors with CTE!
