Washington Gas Celebrates Black History Month

We are honored to celebrate Black History Month. Each week during February 2024, we will profile one of our employees and share in their own words what Black history means to them.

Wayne Jacas
Director, Construction Program Strategy and Management

Black History Month is an opportunity for our country to bring attention to the contributions of the Black people who have helped shape the nation’s history. It is a time to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities as we acknowledge key figures from our past and present.

My own celebration includes learning something new about our history and teaching my kids about non-mainstream figures and their influence. Most recently, I have been researching the impacts Blacks made during World War I and World War II, as detailed in the documentaries “The Harlem Hellfighters” and “The Wereth Eleven.”

I believe the best way to celebrate Black History Month beyond February is to proactively learn about our people’s history. Then, use that knowledge to educate our children, ally with marginalized communities and discuss what you have discovered. Time is the most valuable gift you can offer, so find a local organization that needs support and volunteer your talents.

I have a particular interest in STEM educational access for Black youth in underserved communities so I often embrace hands-on outreach opportunities. I am the Vice President of Programs for the 100 Black Men of Maryland, Inc., and have held this role for the last two years. With the full support of the chapter, I developed a youth leadership program to reach male students from various areas of the state. I truly have a heart for mentoring young men, from building rockets and taking field trips to discover Maryland’s Black pioneers to public speaking lessons and supporting parents through academic challenges.

As Co-Chair of the African American Resource Council at Washington Gas, I have the distinct honor of working with an amazing team to represent and advocate for our members and allies. I am grateful for the opportunity to move forward with our shared mission of creating a community that advances inclusion, cultural awareness, organizational equity and opportunities for African Americans.  

I am passionate about social action and legislative advancement, and I believe in a boots-on-the-ground approach to voter education, registration and mobilization. To support these goals, I have participated in several endeavors to increase the voting population across Maryland.

I look forward to continuing this important work.  Most of all, I am grateful that Washington Gas supports and celebrates cultural differences in our workforce and the communities that we serve.