• Posted: February 16, 2024
• celebration of inclusion, Chicago EWMC, dei, diversity, Dream Palace Banquet Hall, Electrical Worker Minority Caucus, EWMC, IBEW Local 134, Illinois, inclusion, Joe Wells, John Culp Jr, Leticia Romero, Lionel Kelley, Lynwood, Nannette Culp

Nearly 20 years ago, the Chicago chapter of the Electrical Worker Minority Caucus (EWMC) was founded. Working to fulfill the mission of the national chapter on a local level, the mission of the EWMC is to promote equity, equal opportunity and employment for minorities and underrepresented workers at all levels of the IBEW structure.

“The most important aspect of EWMC is its devotion to creating labor activists and leaders from rank and file members,” said John Culp Jr., President of the Chicago chapter of the EWMC. An active member of IBEW Local 134 for more than 53 years, Culp Jr. looks forward to the day when the industry achieves true diversity, equity and inclusion.

Recently, the Chicago EWMC celebrated its platinum anniversary with a dinner event at the Dream Palace Banquet Hall in Lynwood, Illinois. Current members and all 44 national EWMC chapters were invited to attend. More than 230 people attended the celebration, including national EWMC president emeritus Robbie Sparks, sitting national EWMC president Keith Edwards and IBEW Local 134 Business Manager Don Finn. 

From promoting equal opportunities for all positions in IBEW local 134 to providing assistance and addressing complaints of minorities in the local union and to promote the organization of minority workers into the IBEW, the Chicago EWMC has accomplished a lot in its now more than 20 years of existence. But its work is far from complete.

Creating greater representation and inclusion for all

One of the founding members of the Chicago EWMC, Nannette Culp worked as an electrician for several different companies before retirement. Currently retired, Culp still serves as treasurer of the Chicago EWMC.

“The EWMC represents equity, inclusion and diversity. It’s a safe place for all members,” said Nannette Culp, IBEW retiree and treasurer of the Chicago chapter EWMC.

While inclusion is a top priority for the organization, its mission has a heavy focus on preparing members for leadership roles and on bettering the lives of others through service work. The group’s leaders are proud of the work that’s been done and recognize that there’s still much to be done.

Preparing the next generation of union leaders

“My hope for the next 20 years of the EWMC Chicago Chapter, is that the young members step in to take leadership roles and expand the membership with young and old, encouraging them all to get involved,” said Nannette Culp.

Current EWMC Chicago Chapter Vice President Leticia Zepeda and founding member echoes the organization’s importance, now and into the future.

“Diversity is very important to the growth of the IBEW. It has never been more essential to build a supportive and inclusive workplace. Diversity, equity and inclusion creates opportunities for people of all backgrounds,” said Zepeda.

While the local EWMC aims to increase involvement in the electrical construction industry from people of all backgrounds, they especially want to ensure that women and people of color are empowered to serve at all levels of the IBEW, especially in leadership roles.

“In the next 20 years of the EWMC, I hope we fully achieve all of the bullet points in our mission statement and change the leadership of the IBEW to be more diverse,” said Joe Wells, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Business Representative at IBEW Local 134 and chapter founding member. In his IBEW Local 134 tenure, Wells has worked for more than 40 contractors. Most recently, he worked at the Chicago Park District before becoming a Business Representative.

Lionel Kelley shares Wells’s goals. Kelley was one of the founding members of the Chicago EWMC, first chapter president and was the keynote speaker at the organization’s 20th anniversary gala. He’s proud of what the organization has done to encourage minorities to take active roles in their communities and leadership roles within the local union and IBEW. 

“Together, we are shaping a future where leaders are defined by character, contributing to the success and growth of both the IBEW and local unions,” said Kelley.

With the deep expertise and unwavering dedication held by the 22 Chicago chapter EWMC members, they will undoubtedly achieve their goals.