(Union Pacific issued the following on January 31.)
OMAHA, Neb. — During February, Union Pacific is celebrating Black History month by sponsoring several events in Omaha. Union Pacific’s Black Employee Network (BEN) is honoring the works of many African-Americans, including Dr. Booker T. Washington. The theme for this year’s event is “Character is Power” and Union Pacific is sponsoring Dr. Gloria Jackson, great-granddaughter of Dr. Booker T. Washington, to address students and faculty at Omaha North High School at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 14. Later that day, Dr. Jackson will be at Union Pacific Center for a luncheon speech from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Both events are open to the news media, and the luncheon is open to the public with the advance purchase of a ticket. Tickets for the luncheon on February 14 are $15.00 and proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the BEN Scholarship Fund. Tickets can be purchased by calling Vanessa Warren at (402) 544-4444.
“We are honored to host Dr. Gloria Jackson and look forward to having her inspire us to use our talents to build productive lives by following the principles of her great-grandfather, Dr. Booker T. Washington,” said Kenny Rocker, a Union Pacific assistant vice president and Omaha-chapter BEN president.
On Tuesday, February 5 at 2:00 p.m., BEN will unveil the annual Black History Month Tunnel Display showcasing historic items reflecting African-American contributions to Union Pacific and the railroad industry. This event is open to the public and the display will be accessible during normal business hours throughout the month of February. The tunnel is located on the basement level of Union Pacific Center on the Northeast side of the building.
About BEN
The Black Employee Network (BEN) was established in 1979 at Union Pacific Railroad. BEN’s mission is to recruit, retain, and advance the careers of African-American employees within Union Pacific by promoting and facilitating both personal and professional growth, and by working with Union Pacific Senior Leadership toward an awareness of diversity issues. On a community involvement level, BEN supports local African-American communities by providing scholarships to graduating seniors and college freshman, and by working to encourage high school graduates to pursue post-secondary education. Since 1980, BEN chapters systemwide have awarded more than $220,000 in scholarships.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.