In mid-February, I was honored to open the ceremony celebrating Black History Month. Pausing to take stock of the contributions of African Americans gives us all an opportunity to pay tribute and deepen our collective knowledge.

President George W. Bush has called Black History Month a time of learning for us all. Black History Month was established through the efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and this year’s theme is based on the book, “The Souls of Black Folk,” written a century ago by W.E.B. DuBois.

Both Dr. Woodson and Dr. DuBois received Ph.D. degrees from Harvard University, the first two African Americans to achieve that distinction. Both men were instrumental in founding organizations, the NAACP and the Study of Afro-American Life and History, that in time would play major roles in the lives of African Americans, and indeed all Americans, and these are roles that still continue today.

As we celebrate Black History Month, here at USDA we are also acutely aware that today’s actions are tomorrow’s history.

This year is the tenth anniversary of the 1890’s Outstanding Scholars Program. USDA awards advanced scholarships for students’ college education and provides support for 1890’s institutions. The students agree to participate in USDA’s summer intern program and work at USDA for a period of time. It’s a win-win partnership.

Recognizing the unique role of these institutions, President Bush has proposed funding increases for support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities so that our close relationship may continue and keep us moving in the right direction.

As well, we continue to celebrate the life of George Washington Carver at the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Md., the home of our agricultural research mission. We honor his memory at the Center every October and we also maintain the Carver Gardens, where visitors can see living examples of the many fruits and vegetables with which Dr. Carver experimented.

As we look to the future we hope for the speedy confirmation of Vernon Parker to be USDA’s assistant secretary for civil rights, a new office created by the 2002 Farm Bill. Mr. Parker has a distinguished career in administrative law, serving in government, and the private sector. He also has served as pastor at his church and helped bring people together to advance a stronger sense of community and giving.

I am proud that USDA has been, and will continue to be, a player in promoting and protecting the history and heritage of African Americans and all Americans. •