PASADENA, CA (November 21, 2016) – Parsons is pleased to have supported the Texas African American History Memorial, which was dedicated in a ceremony on Saturday, November 19, 2016, in Austin, Texas. Margareth Bonds, Senior Vice President State and Local Government Relations, and Randy Palachek, Vice President, attended the unveiling of the memorial on behalf of Parsons.

“Parsons is a proud contributor to this important memorial that portrays more than 400 years of African Americans’ contributions to the state’s success,” said Bonds. “It was an honor to represent Parsons at this celebration of strength from diversity, which mirrors Parsons’ commitment to diversity as a core value.”

The memorial, designed by sculptor Ed Dwight, depicts Juneteenth—June 19, 1865—when Union troops arrived in Texas and announced the freedom of slaves in the United States, as well as the contributions by African Americans to the state of Texas, from the first black explorer in 1528 to slaves, cowboys, artists, visionaries, athletes, and scholars. Dignitaries included in the program were Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Texas State Representative Helen Giddings, Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis, and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner who was honored for his efforts to make the memorial a reality.

Since 1944, Parsons has supported educational, cultural, and civic organizations in the communities where our employees live and work. Parsons has worked throughout Texas for more than 40 years.