Frank Clark (Finding Aid)

Frank Clark

1945 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Chicken

Favorite Time of Year: Autumn

Favorite Vacation Spot: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Interview Length: 106 minutes

Interview Date(s): August 2, 2001

Interview Location(s): Commonwealth Edison headquarters, Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Frank Mitchell Clark, Executive Vice President for ComEd Energy Delivery, and a Senior Vice President of Exelon Corporation, describes his early childhood and family background. He speaks of his hardworking mother, Silvella Clark, and her influence on his development as one of the first African-American corporate executives in the United States. Early on there signs that he is fated for greater things than his first job at a small Catholic bookstore. A teacher recognizes his intellect in his interest in poetry. His devoted wife also Vera recognizes his potential. At her insistence, he takes a job in the mailroom at ComEd where he will eventually move up through the ranks to be one of its top executives. Clark also discusses growing up as an African-American Catholic and how that helped him to assimilate into the corporate world, but also shielded him from some of the uglier sides of racism. Frank Clark vividly describes his experiences in Vietnam, characterizing it as an, "excruciating year." He recalls encounters in combat and the painful solitude and fear he felt during his tour of duty. He also talks candidly about race relations in the military. He returns from Vietnam with a renewed sense of ambition and attends Loop Junior College [later Harold Washington College] while continuing to work in the mailroom at ComEd. At ComEd he begins to see opportunities for advancement. He gets a break from a ComEd manager and fellow war veteran who arranges for a promotion to a position in purchasing. The position is located in Stickney, Illinois where few of his fellow employees have ever worked with an African-American before. Clark goes on to discuss his perceptions of attitudes towards race at various levels at ComEd in the 1960s, from Stickney up to the executive level. As he moves up in ComEd he comes into contact with other African-American executives and encouters Tom Ayers, a sympathetic CEO who Frank Clark, a high ranking executive at ComEd, traces his career at ComEd, his rise through the ranks and the people who helped him along the way. He describes the pride his family had in his college degree and his pursuit of a law degree with the help of his wife Vera. He discusses the the Civil Rights Movement in Chicago, its effects on the corporate system of ComEd, and the changing face of the workforce that he, himself was active in leading. Clark also goes into his days of lobbying in Springfield, Illinois for ComEd, maneuvering through a landscape of mostly white politicians. He briefly discusses his involvement in the passing of the "restructuring law," which restructured electricity rates in Illinois. He then reflects with pride on his career and accomplishments at ComEd, and his efforts to mentor others in the company. ComEd executive Frank Clark discusses the current prospects for African Americans to advance in the corporate world. Although there are difficulties, he is has optimism in the possibilities for people who want to work hard. He still sees room for improvement in the numbers of African Americans and other minorities in executive positions. He also admits that there are family and personal sacrifices to be made in his level of accomplishment. When asked about his hopes and concerns for the future, he expresses sadness at the state of black America, citing less opportunities, the large percentage of black men in prision, drugs and the breakdown of the family. Recalling his own dramatic rise to the top of his field, he does retain optimism for the future. Clark then reflects on his legacy and sees it as twofold, personal and professional. He has pride in the sacrifices he has made, and that they made success for other African Americans possible. And lastly, he looks foward to spending time with his four grandchild

47 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)