Hidden Figure: History's First African-American Woman Master Plumber

Meet Adrienne Bennett: One of America’s Great Plumbing Pioneers 

Many people know about Mae C. Jemison, Katherine Johnson, and George Washington Carver. These engineering marvels transformed the way many people live their lives. However, not many people know about Adrienne Bennett. 

Bennett is the first black master plumber. Now, there’s a huge difference between a plumber and a master plumber. Plumbers (also called “journeymen plumbers”) usually have one specialty and a few years of experience. Master plumbers are a jack of all trades when it comes to plumbing. They have the highest level of plumbing education possible and generally have decades of experience. 

Continue reading to learn more about Adrienne Bennett’s achievements. She is leaving her mark as one of the plumbing’s greatest pioneers. 

It All Started in Detroit, Michigan 

Adrienne Bennett was born in Detroit, Michigan, one of eight children. She attended parochial school, where she credits her ethics and discipline as a child. She loved math and science, and one of her favorite hobbies was assembling model planes and rockets. Her favorite model was the Apollo spacecraft module. 

She knew from the very beginning that her future would hold great things for her, but she wasn’t sure what. Yet, whatever it was, she was going to give it her all. 

Despite Her Hardships, Bennett Preserved

Bennett knew that despite living in Detroit all her life, her career opportunities were limited. Still, she started working at an engineering firm where she hoped to eventually attend Lawrence Technology University. Yet, after facing racial discrimination, she left the program and instead took on odd jobs, including advocating for public assistance programs. 

Bennett’s life changed forever when she attended a Jimmy Carter rally in 1976. According to a 2018 interview from CNN, a recruiter approached her and asked, “How would you like to make $50,000 a year?” 

Bennett only had one reply: “Is it legal?” 

Adrienne Bennett Today: a Successful Business Woman 

Yet, the road to success wasn’t an easy one. Not only did she face racial discrimination while on her way to the top, but she always found her skills constantly doubted by her male peers. She told CNN that she was the only woman on some work sites, surrounded by hundreds of men. 

However, that didn’t stop her from serving as a code enforcement officer, project manager, plumbing inspector – her resume goes on and on. She calls being an independent contractor “the final frontier.” 

Today, when asked about her success, Bennett is extraordinarily humble. She simply says: “I’m honest, hardworking, and I don’t let anyone get in my way and cheat me out of my dream.” 

About A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. loves showcasing America’s historic engineers. Today, it serves Murphysboro, Illinois, and the surrounding area. Interested parties can reach out to these specialists today for their home improvement needs. Call now for plumbing services!

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