In celebration of Black History Month, on February 25, 2015, the Department of Energy partnered with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art to host, ‘The Art of Science: Engaging African Americans in STEM and Workforce Development Opportunities in the Energy Sector’. During this event, the Department of Energy named Marc. H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, as an Ambassador of the Minorities in Energy Initiative in recognition of his relentless commitment to fostering the advancement and economic empowerment of African Americans.

Recognizing the Department’s commitment to ensuring that African Americans are adequately prepared to actively engage in energy and science, technology, engineering and math fields; Mr. Morial pledges to embrace his duties as a Minorities in Energy Ambassador with a strong sense of urgency and resolve.  0Specifically, Marc states, the following:

“. . . As President and CEO of the National Urban League, I have dedicated my life to the fight for diversity and inclusion. We must leverage our resources to help African Americans gain access to more STEM jobs. The number of STEM jobs grew at three times the rate of other sectors between 2000 and 2010, and demand is expected to grow by an additional one million jobs by 2020. Seven of the top-ten degrees leading to the highest salaries are in energy and engineering. STEM jobs are plentiful and lucrative.”

The Department of Energy launched the Minorities in Energy Initiative on September 24, 2013, in alignment with President Obama’s agenda for engaging more Americans in energy and science, technology, engineering, and math fields; to address the needs of underrepresented communities in the energy sector. To implement this initiative, the Department collaborates with Minorities in Energy Ambassadors whom are key leaders, in industry, government, academia, and nonprofits, committed to lending their voices and vision to inform and inspire Americans about the critical need for greater diversity in STEM professions, energy entrepreneurship, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Mr. Morial joins a list of distinguished ambassadors, including: the Honorable Hazel O’Leary (Former Secretary of Energy), Susan Taylor (Author, Former Editor of Essence magazine and Founder/CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement), and Carmichael Roberts (General Partner, North Bridge Venture Partners). View the full list of Ambassadors here.