At Sentri Roofing, we believe every shingle tells a story—and during Black History Month, we proudly honor the remarkable legacy of Black Americans whose contributions have shaped our industry and nation.
Recently, I listened to a roofing podcast that was two years old—yet still incredibly relevant.
(Thanks to Coffee Conversations by Johns Manville for hosting such a powerful and ongoing dialogue about inclusion in roofing.)
What stood out was how deeply Black history and the roofing industry are intertwined—not just historically, but in the leaders, workers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who continue to define our field today.
A Legacy Built into Every Roof
From enslaved craftsmen who built America’s earliest structures to today’s Black architects, engineers, and roofing professionals, the influence of Black Americans runs deep across our rooftops and skylines.
As Rae Fistonich shared in the podcast:
“Black history is American history… There’s a foundation in this industry, especially going through American history, that was built by Black hands.”
At Sentri Roofing, we recognize that legacy—and we’re committed to building on it through opportunity, equity, and inclusion.
Representation Matters
Donavan Morgan, founder of The Roof Gallery, shared a key truth: representation opens doors. When young people see themselves in leadership, ownership, and skilled trades, it sparks inspiration.
At Sentri Roofing, we believe that success should never be limited by skin color or background. We are proud to work alongside people of all races, genders, and identities—because our strength lies in our diversity.
Perseverance Paved the Way
Figures like Angela Davis, Muhammad Ali, and modern pioneers like Jenell Ross remind us that progress demands perseverance. As Rae noted, “They didn’t give up. They were thinking about the next generation… and all of us on this panel.”
We carry that mindset forward. At Sentri Roofing, we aim to be a launchpad for the next generation of roofing professionals—because success isn’t just a ladder you climb, it’s a roof you build strong enough for others to stand on.
Inspired to Explore the Power of Mentorship and Youth Engagement
Inspired to Explore the Power of Mentorship and Youth Engagement
Black History Month is also about looking forward. And one of the most powerful takeaways from the podcast was this: mentorship and visibility matter—especially for Black youth and young professionals.
At Sentri Roofing, we’re interested in supporting efforts like:
- High school outreach and career fairs to introduce roofing as a modern trade
- Internship and job shadowing programs that give students real-world exposure
- Drone technology, estimating, and project management training—expanding beyond just the rooftop
- Mentorship and leadership development through local partnerships
- Highlighting diverse voices in marketing, recruitment, and public events
- Supporting community organizations that create access to careers in construction
As Donovan said, “Roofing is the engine that helps drive everything else.” We’re here to show the next generation how far that engine can take them.
Let’s Keep Building—Together
This month and every month, Sentri Roofing stands committed to:
✅ Celebrating the achievements of Black professionals
✅ Creating clear, equitable pathways into our industry
✅ Challenging outdated narratives
✅ Leading with integrity, inclusion, and innovation
