Honoring Black History Month 2025

February 1, 2025

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)'s theme for Black History Month 2025 is 'African Americans and Labor'. It focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people (asalh.org/black-history-themes/).

At Watts, we understand the journey of resilience, innovation, and strength are deeply rooted in our nation's history. These aspects are deeply rooted in Watts’ history, too. Our founder, Edward O. Watts, PE, set out to pursue a path for a better life through a career in engineering. Not only did his perseverance and hard work create a successful career, but it launched a firm, that 39 years later, has the ability and honor to employ and have employed hundreds of people throughout New York State. Watts Architects and Engineers IS the result of Mr. Watts' labor, his resilience, and his vision.

The very essence of community development and social equity is fueled by the concept of a unique mix of minds working together to achieve a complete understanding of one another and, in turn, the people we serve.

This February, reflect on the deeper path that those who have paved the way for progress have taken. Reflect on the losses because they make the wins even more significant. Reflect on what that path to victory truly entails. Let’s continue to build each other up. Let’s continue to cultivate a future where there is a seat for everyone and space to hear every voice. Let’s continue to institute a culture where everyone can thrive. Let’s empower by design.

We encourage you to visit ASALH’s website to learn more about Black History Month: https://asalh.org/about-us/

We encourage you to also learn more about Watts’ History: https://watts-ae.com/about/history/

#BlackHistoryMonth #Inclusion #DiversityInArchitecture #AfricanAmericanHistory #DiversityinEngineering