From left: Lawyers’ Committee for Economic Justice Board Member David Bowman presents ‘Keeper of the Flame Award’ to John B. Cruz, III. Photo courtesy of Cruz Companies
BOSTON – Thursday, June 22, 2017 – Cruz Companies President John B Cruz, III received the ‘Keeper of the Flame Award’ from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice during its 49th anniversary celebration at the Boston College Club.
“Like the Lawyers’ Committee, Cruz has worked to expand opportunities for minority communities for generations,” said John B. Cruz, III. “I thank the Lawyers’ Committee for this honor and join them in carrying forth the flame of the late civil rights icon Rosa Parks.”
More than 200 attended the event, including local elected officials and leaders from the minority legal community. More than 25 Cruz Companies staff and family members were in attendance.
Cruz Companies employs approximately 80 people, of which 90 percent are people of color. Cruz Companies’ MBE contractor participation rate is 82 percent, serving as an industry leader in diversity and inclusion.
The Lawyers’ Committee was formed 49 years ago to marshal the resources of the legal community to address racial and national origin discrimination. The ‘Keeper of the Flame Award’ commemorates the legacy of civil rights activist Rosa Parks by recognizing today’s social justice leaders. Previous honorees include former judges, professors, CEOs and non-profit leaders.
The event, held on June 15, also honored James D. Gallagher, executive vice president and general counsel of John Hancock / Manulife Financial.
About John B. Cruz, III:
John B. Cruz III began his involvement and interest in the construction industry as a youth working summers and weekends in the construction business for his father John “Bertie” Cruz, the owner of a carpentry-subcontracting firm he founded in 1947. After graduating from Wentworth Institute, John started his career in the company as superintendent and estimator. As the company grew and became primarily a general contracting firm, John became president and general manager. Under his leadership the company grew, diversified and expanded into real estate development and property management.
About Cruz Companies:
Cruz Companies is now the oldest and largest minority-owned construction and real estate development firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through increasing affordable housing opportunities, providing good jobs to area residents, and hiring other minority businesses.
For more information, visit www.CruzCompanies.com.