By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
The Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) is making a grand return to Charm City Feb. 15-17 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The “Welcome Back to Baltimore” reception took place on Jan. 16 with a remarkable turnout, despite adverse weather conditions.
The organization last held their conference in Baltimore in 2010. The well-attended event symbolized the anticipation and excitement regarding the comeback of this prestigious conference to the city.
Amidst a snowstorm that had much of the city shut down, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture was filled with hundreds of attendees, including high-ranking military officials, corporate leaders, representatives from engineering firms, elected officials and aspiring young minds in the STEM industry. The evening commenced with accolades for Dr. Tyrone Taborn, chairman and CEO of Career Communications Group (CCG), and the driving force behind the 38-year success of BEYA.
The Rev. Dr. Alvin Hathaway expressed his pride as a partner and emphasized the significance of the new partnership between BEYA and the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center. Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, a self-proclaimed “recovering engineer,” shared personal anecdotes of attending BEYA as a young student and presented Taborn with a citation for creating opportunities in the field. Mosby thanked Taborn for creating an opportunity in BEYA that allowed him as a student to “explore the field, knowing that we were underrepresented.”
A representative from Congressman Mfume’s office, presented Taborn with a citation, thanking the CCG chairman for his “steadfast commitment to STEM,” and Mayor Brandon M. Scott also acknowledged Taborn’s commitment to the field.
“Everything Black and successful should be celebrated in our city– all the time,” said Scott, during his speech, which led to a standing ovation for CCG and the return of BEYA to Baltimore.
Taborn, in his closing remarks, reiterated the significance of BEYA in Baltimore, spotlighting its roots in the city.
He spoke about the commitment of BEYA to teaching students in Baltimore. He also emphasized that BEYA is not just a conference but a trusted community partner. Taborn reminded all in attendance that BEYA originally stood for “Becoming Everything You Are.”
“BEYA never left Baltimore, Baltimore is home, my office is and will be right across the street,” he said, speaking on his commitment to the city and the new partnership with Hathaway, which extends his reach to West Baltimore.
Stephanie C. Hill, the highest-ranking Black woman at Lockheed Martin Corporation, reflected on the growth of BEYA over the years. Her words echoed the sentiment that BEYA has evolved into something truly remarkable, stating “ Seeing what BEYA has grown into in 38 years is nothing short of amazing.”
Organizer Larian Finney, of the Finn Group, pledged to raise $2 million to ensure that the conference remains in Baltimore, setting ambitious goals for the 40th-year celebration.
The return of BEYA to Baltimore marks a triumphant celebration of excellence in STEM.
Taborn’s commitment, coupled with partnerships and enthusiastic support from the community, sets the stage for a promising future. As BEYA continues to evolve and adapt with the Digital Twin Experience, it remains a beacon of inspiration for the STEM community, both in Baltimore and beyond.