02.06.2004
SCE EVENT HIGHLIGHTS BLACK HISTORY
AND THE EVOLUTION OF ELECTRICITY AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY

IRWINDALE, Calif., Feb. 6, 2004—In celebration of Black History Month, Southern California Edison (SCE) will host “Connecting the Evolution of Electricity to Black History” from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at its Customer Technology Applications Center (CTAC).

Black-owned businesses and community- and faith-based organizations from the Southland will join SCE in recognizing the contributions that African Americans have made to modern technology, especially the electric industry.

“People may be familiar with Lewis Latimer, who helped develop the early light bulb,” said SCE’s Afarah Board, event coordinator, “but there are many other African American inventors who’ve made significant contributions to modern technology and the electric industry. We hope that this event will increase the general awareness of their contributions.”

Biographical information will be available on dozens of African Americans who have contributed to the development of modern technology, among them Otis Boykin, who invented an electrical device used in all guided missiles; Granville T. Woods, who patented 35 electrical and mechanical devices; Frederick M. Jones, who patented more than 60 inventions, including the first refrigeration for long-haul trucks; and Beulah L. Henry, nicknamed “The Lady Edison,” who patented 49 inventions, including a vacuum ice cream freezer.

Former Speaker of the Assembly Herb Wesson will give the keynote address. Hundreds of customers and employees are expected at the event, along with SCE CEO Al Fohrer and SCE President Bob Foster. Several African American executives from SCE also are expected. Attendees will tour CTAC, a 44,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility with seven technology centers.

“This event is Edison’s way of celebrating Black History Month, connecting to its African American business customers, and honoring its African American employees,” said Board.




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