SME stands for manufacturing. Our association believes that manufacturing is for everyone and we’re committed to advancing the industry. One of the groups who’ve been an integral part in the progression of manufacturing over the years has been the African American community. In honor of Black History Month, SME is celebrating African Americans who’ve made history in manufacturing and highlighting the current programs and professionals from the black community who are leaders in manufacturing today.
Celebrating African American Manufacturers
The manufacturing community has taken steps towards building a diverse and inclusive culture. Meet the individuals who started this movement and view the people and programs leading the charge today.
African American Heroes of Manufacturing
Meet just a few of the innovative thinkers from the African American community that provided positive contributions to society and helped advance manufacturing.
Craig Arnold
Business Executive
Otis Boykin
Inventor and Engineer
C.W. Chapelle
Aviation Pioneer and Electrical Engineer
Alicia Bolger Davis
Manufacturing Engineer
Etta Falconer
Educator and Mathematician
Evelyn Boyd Granville
Mathematician and Computer Scientist Educator
Jan Ernst Matzeliger
Inventor
Elijah McCoy
Inventor
Charles Richard Patterson
First African American Automobile Company
Frederick McKinley Jones
Inventor and Entrepreneur
Madame C.J. Walker
Entrepreneur and Philantropist
Granville Tailer Woods
Inventor
A Statement from SME CEO Bob Willig
"Celebrating Black History Month sends an important message to current and future workers at all levels of manufacturing. As our nation confronts issues surrounding inclusion and equality in society and in the workplace, part of our national reconciliation will come from celebrating the achievements and contributions of the many peoples who make up the American fabric."
SME Education Foundation
New Strategy Targets Scholarships and SME PRIME
The SME Education Foundation's renewed and focused commitment to a diversity, equity and inclusion strategy is designed to fully integrate diversity and equity opportunities in every program, effort and initiative undertaken by the Foundation.
Setting Up Future Generations for Success
Roshay S. Timmons (SME Member since 2017) of Central State University is an example of the opportunities manufacturing can provide. She plans to pursue a career in manufacturing engineering and business, with the goal of one day becoming a lead engineer and project manager focusing on lean manufacturing as well as conducting research on automotive safety. Her work experience includes a recent internship with Toyota, CSU student tutor and participating in a National Science Foundation research project using robotic devices to improve upper extremity function for the disabled. Timmons received the Edward S. Roth Scholarship from the SME Education Foundation.
What are SME Leaders Saying About Diversity and Equality within Manufacturing?
In Support for Justice and Equality for All
By Sandi Bouckley - Leadership Transition Consultant, former CEO and Executive Director, SME
New Scholarship Fund Is Key Element of SME Education Foundation’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy
By Rob Luce - Vice President, SME Education Foundation
Opening the World of Manufacturing to Kids
By Jeannine Kunz - Vice President, Tooling U-SME
Humans of Manufacturing
The Power of Positivity
Manufacturing helped Victor Driver Jr. rise above a hard life and achieve a successful career in the skilled trades.
Changing Lives, One Credential at a Time
Montez King, executive director of the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) are upskilling the manufacturing workforce.
Iconic African American Manufacturing
Building future leaders in the African American Community
NPR looks at a group that's helping to shape what Black history will become tomorrow. Past members of Sigma Pi Phi include W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther King Jr.
National Geographic Celebrates the achievements of African Americans past and present
Explore National Geographics resource library highlighting some of the most creative minds in science and engineering.
10 African American Science and Technology Pioneers
Discovery.com profiled prominent leaders in the science and technology space. Get to know these notable African American pioneers.