GASTONIA, N.C. (June 18, 2021) – In commemoration of Juneteenth, Dominion Energy hosted a forum yesterday with four historically Black college and university (HBCU) leaders, including North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Chancellor Dr. Harold L. Martin, Sr. The forum discussion focused on how last year’s events impacted their students, how they responded to the social justice movement and what HBCUs are doing to drive social change.

“We have to continue to help these young people gain the level of counsel, education and preparation needed so that their voice continues to have meaning and be heard,” said Chancellor Martin at the forum. “Organizations like Dominion Energy having these conversations and making these commitments in line with their values are really saying that this is important and that the evidence is shaped by actions and not words.”

Forum speakers noted the importance of community and corporate partners coming alongside HBCUs in solidarity, stressing that work not only helps break down racial and societal barriers, but also helps society at large by producing a strong foundation of young Black professionals and entrepreneurs.

“Few institutions have the ability to help students of color reach their full potential more than HBCUs,” said Robert M. Blue, Dominion Energy's president and chief executive officer.  “We want to help foster conversations on the issues that matter and highlight the unique role that HBCUs play in our communities.” 

In December, N.C. A&T announced it had been selected to receive $3 million in support from Dominion Energy as part of the company’s HBCU PromiseSM initiative, a $25 million commitment to 11 historically Black colleges and universities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Ohio. Dominion Energy’s funding will support two scholarship funds, a new engineering research facility and a retention initiative program for students facing financial hardship.  

Dominion Energy’s six-year HBCU Promise^SM includes an additional $10 million in scholarships for African Americans and underrepresented minority students.

To watch a replay of the forum, click here.

About Dominion Energy 

More than 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.