History Book Foreword...

In the past few months, I have spoken with executives from three of America’s largest corporations who described efforts to create Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) in their companies.  They were upbeat about the value these new groups could add to advancing diversity in the workplace.  Outwardly I applauded these business leaders for their commitment to the fledgling ERG’s.  Inwardly I felt a great sense of pride knowing the history of CITE and its founding organizations dates back to the 1970’s.  Those visionary and determined men and women who set out to improve the quality of life for their fellow African American employees and the community at large are deserving of our respect and admiration.  These pioneers created a model for change that others are still trying to replicate many years later. 

Having started my career in the Bell System in 1968, I am able to compare the demographic profile of Verizon to the company I joined right out of college.  The fact is, there is no comparison.  African Americans are represented in every dimension of Verizon; all levels of management, every department, and every craft.  That certainly was not the case 40 years ago.  Many forces have contributed to this transformation.  Let there be no doubt that one of the most potent forces has been the Consortium of Information and Telecommunications Executives.

The 25^th Anniversary of CITE is a major milestone.  This is a time for reflection and recommitment.  Upon reflection, the evidence is clear; CITE has been a positive agent for change.  The company and community have benefited from the activism of the organization’s leaders and members.  At the same time, there is still work to do.  The celebration of 25 years should be accompanied by a fresh look at the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, the company, the community and the workforce in the 21^st century.  Now is the perfect time to develop a forward looking agenda for change matched with a new commitment to mission, vision and purpose.

Bruce S. Gordon
 

“CITE's 25th Anniversary
Historical Treasure”

by the CITE Historians and Ways & Means Committees

In 1983, a group of mid-Atlantic African American telephone managers, representing minority employees of the former Bell Telephone Company, met to develop immediate and future strategies. That meeting led to the formation of The Consortium of Information and Telecommunications Executive (CITE), a nonprofit organization that represents over 35,000 current and former African American employees of Verizon Communications.

CITE History Book Project Patron Sponsors

To document the rich and diverse history of CITE, many individuals contributed their stories, journals, photographs, newsletters and other resources.  The CITE History Book Project team is grateful to all.  The following individuals were especially helpful because in various amounts, they provided the underwriting for the History Book Project.