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Black History Month


APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine Program Recognizes Black History Month – “African Americans and the Arts”

February 14, 2024 Tess Acosta-Williams, PPQ Civil Rights and Diversity Advisory Committee Chair, Trade Specialist, USDA APHIS PPQ

The 2024 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” intersects with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Program’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as we celebrate African Americans’ artistic...

Equity Plants

Celebrating Black History at Black Seeds Urban Farm

February 14, 2024 Suzanne Pender, USDA Strategic Communications Coordinator

Black History Month is a time of celebration, education, and reflection at Black Seeds Urban Farm, located in Memphis, Tennessee. Bobby and Derravia Rich started the community garden to provide local, organic fruits, vegetables, and nuts to neighbors with little or no access to fresh, nutritious...

Equity Farming

Soulful Food and Sauces: Through USDA Programs, A Black Agribusiness Owner Rises Internationally

February 12, 2024 Zane Evans, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

Food and service have a special place in Walter Brooks, Jr.’s heart. Today, he runs Brooksmade Gourmet Foods in Atlanta, Georgia, which exports clean-label condiments, sauces and rubs.

Equity Trade

Celebrating Black History Month by Advancing Nutrition Security and Health Equity

February 01, 2024 Caree Jackson Cotwright, PhD, RDN, Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity, USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Every February, the United States honors and celebrates the rich, cultural heritage of African Americans, including their triumphs and adversities that are integral to our nation’s history and success. To pay tribute to those who came before me and cultivate a better future for my three daughters, I...

Food and Nutrition Nutrition Security

Improving Health & Nutrition for Black Americans

February 28, 2023 Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics & USDA Chief Scientist

As I reflect on Black History Month, I think about the tremendous accomplishments and contributions made by Black Americans. I think of the past, present and future to acknowledge how far we’ve come, where we are now, and the challenges ahead.

Research and Science

Black History Month Spotlight: U.S. Representative Mickey Leland

February 25, 2022 FNS Public Affairs

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) honors those who champion racial justice, equality, and equity in the fight to end hunger. This Black History Month, we’re recognizing the late U.S. Representative Mickey Leland.

Equity Food and Nutrition Initiatives

Agriculture in America: Deeply Rooted in Black Culture

February 25, 2021 Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Acting Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics

The story of agriculture in America cannot be told without acknowledging the contributions of Black people. Black people have been and are an integral driver in the success of U.S. agriculture. From farming and cultivation to scientific research, the agriculture narrative is fortified by the many...

Equity Research and Science

Black History Month 2021: Agriculture, Family and the Land

February 23, 2021 Langston Hull, Scientific Technical Director, APHIS’ International Services Program

Every February, the APHIS community celebrates Black History Month and honors the many and varied contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. This year’s Black History Month theme is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” This feature, a personal narrative by APHIS...

Animals Equity

Jumpstart Your Heart with a “Daly” Dose of Healthy Foods

February 16, 2021 Justice Wright, Deputy Communications Director, Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area

Every 36 seconds, a person dies from heart disease in the United States. Heart disease is the leading cause of the death in America, and in 2017, Black Americans were 20 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites. Several medical conditions and lifestyle choices...

Research and Science

Black History Month - Celebrating Black American Achievements Past and Present

February 12, 2021 Kristina Nelson, USDA Public Affairs Specialist

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the hard-fought achievements, sacrifices, and contributions made by Black Americans to every aspect of our country’s diverse cultural heritage, and particularly to the agricultural industry. It’s also a time for us to honor the Black...

Equity Initiatives
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