As we enter the month of February, we are presented with a special opportunity to honor and celebrate Black History Month. This month serves as a reminder of the remarkable contributions, resilience and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. It is a time to reflect on the extraordinary individuals who have paved the way for progress, equality and justice. 

Black History Month calls us to acknowledge African Americans' immense impact on every aspect of our society. From the arts and sciences to politics and sports, their influence is woven into the fabric of our nation. It is a time to recognize and appreciate the immense strength, determination and courage that have propelled individuals to break barriers and overcome adversity. 

This month also serves as a reminder of the work still ahead. It is a call to action for all of us to continue the fight for equality, justice, and inclusion. Let us strive to create a place where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. 

Secretary Appoints Members to Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers

USDA announces the appointment of 15 new members to the USDA Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers (ACMF). Established by Congress in 2008, this committee ensures that underserved farmers have equal access to USDA programs. Committee members advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the administration of the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Competitive Grant Program. They also make recommendations to the Secretary on how to increase minority participation in USDA programs.

Interactive Map of USDA Liaisons

Where can you find a nearby one-stop expert on USDA resources? Click a pin on the map to find the USDA liaison who serves your area. USDA liaisons serve as key USDA representatives in communities across America. As the "front door" to all USDA resources, they coordinate with American Indian and Alaskan Native Governments, state and federal partners, land-grant universities, Hispanic-Serving institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, and other strategic partners, connecting them with USDA programs and opportunities.

USDA Accepting Applications to the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

The application window for the 2024 scholarship program will remain open until March 1! This program provides educational and career opportunities for students attending 1890 land-grant universities. The scholarship provides full tuition, fees, books, room and board to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The scholarship may also include work experience at USDA. Be sure to check the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program page for details.

Laser-Focused USDA 1890 National Scholar Builds Future with USDA

Kevin Poole, a recent graduate who majored in biological systems engineering with a natural resources conservation track. As part of the scholarship, Poole participated in summer internships with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office in Columbia, South Carolina.

Hands-on Experience Helps USDA 1890 National Scholar Secure Permanent Position

When Lauren Hawkins graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, she had a job waiting for her. Thanks to her participation in the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, she was immediately hired after graduation as an agricultural engineer with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Science (NRCS).

USDA Accepting Applications for 2024 E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program 

USDA is accepting applications for the 2024 USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program through March 4, 2024. This program offers faculty and staff from Hispanic-Serving Institutions the opportunity to work collaboratively with USDA to gain insight and understanding of the federal government. Fellows receive access to long-term collaboration opportunities with USDA agencies, and then share what they have learned with students and colleagues at their home institutions and in their communities.

E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Breaks Down Silos

Dr. Kalyani Maitra is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at California State University – Fresno, where she teaches and mentors undergraduate and graduate students. Last summer, she also became an E. Kika De La Garza (EKDLG) Science Fellow. “The experience provided a great opportunity to learn about the expanse and operational capacity of USDA,” she said. “Now I share information about USDA programs and opportunities all the time – in a Zoom call, in the hallway, during class.”

E. Kika De La Garza Fellow Expands Public Service

E. Kika De La Garza (EKDLG) Fellow Dr. Jhones Sarturi has been an associate professor at Texas Tech University’s Davis College for over ten years, combining classroom instruction with field-based learning that directly benefits agricultural producers. He credits the EKDLG fellowship with broadening his own professional sights; for example, he is collaborating with his college career office to raise awareness of possible USDA career paths and internships.

USDA Names 2024 Agricultural Outlook Forum Future Leaders in Agriculture Program Winners

USDA has selected 20 university students who will attend USDA’s 2024 Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF) as winners of the USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture program. These undergraduate and graduate students from land-grant, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture and Hispanic-serving institutions will receive a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. and attend the 100th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum on February 15-16, 2024. 

Dr. Michael Williams

Dr. Michael Williams, or Dr. Mike, as he is known, joined the Office of Partnerships and Public engagement in January 2024. He has oversight of programs that support 1890 Land Grant Institutions, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Youth (K-12) populations.

Dr. Mike started his public service in 1986 as a United States Marine. That service included deployments during Operations’ Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. During his military service, he continued to make an impact in the community, including many years of service as a volunteer mentor for the James Farmer Scholars Program in Virginia and as an executive board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland.

His academic career began in 2010 at the United States Naval Academy (USNA), where he taught courses in Government and Constitutional Development and Civil-Military Relations. He would later serve as the USNA deputy director for academic advising with oversight over the advising and mentorship program for first-year, international exchange, and semester exchange students.

In 2021, Dr. Mike joined George Washington University (GWU) as an assistant dean for student affairs. He earned his B.S. degree in Business from the University of Illinois, M.S. degree in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, M.A. degree in Higher Education Administration (Social Justice concentration) from George Washington University, and PhD in Public Policy from George Mason University.

The Vital Role of Cooperatives for Black Farmers

The American Civil Rights Movement impacted black farmers in dramatic ways. Some farmers responded to discrimination among white merchants by forming cooperatives. These organizations allowed black farmers to purchase farm supplies in bulk and to consolidate their products for sale. In 1969, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives reported 24 different cooperatives across the American South with a membership of 5,982 farmers.

Cooperatives continue to serve a vital role for black farmers. They offer opportunities for education, advocacy, cost-sharing and peer support. USDA Rural Development (RD) administers several programs that provide direct assistance to cooperatives, including Rural Cooperative Development Grants and Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grants. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service helps cooperatives successfully market their products and provides many related grant opportunities. USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture also offers numerous grants that support cooperatives, including the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. Cooperatives encourage equal opportunity in American agriculture, and USDA is here to help them succeed!