The United States Department of Agriculture has been a recalcitrant and, at times, an immovable object when it comes to diversity and modern views. This massive 100,000 employee agency has a strong history of outright racism. Its views have been very southern and conservative in nature. At times the activities over there have resembled another nation far and away from the US constitution and the land of the free. President Obama has promised change and to change this giant is going to take a massive undertaking. We all know the plight of the Black farmers with the USDA. That is just one sour side of the activities.
It appears that the President has made the correct start in this mission. He has appointed former Iowa governor Thomas J. Vilsack to become Secretary of Agriculture. Secretary Vilsack has made it clear that change will indeed come to USDA. The following is part of a letter he sent to each of the 100,000 employees of the agency:
"As you know, civil rights is one of my top priorities. In the Departmental complaint system alone, more than 14,000 complaints have been filed since the year 2000. Approximately 3,000 of these complaints remain to be processed, and questions continue to be raised about USDA’s handling of complaints. I have said many times that I intend to take definitive action to improve USDA’s record on civil rights and to move USDA into a new era as a model employer and premier service provider.
To be successful, all USDA employees must be committed to making USDA a model in the Federal Government for respecting the civil rights of its employees and constituents. As Secretary, I will accept nothing less. USDA has taken steps to address the civil rights challenges that it faces. I want to acknowledge and applaud those employees across USDA who have worked hard to improve the Department’s civil rights record. But we need to do better on these efforts and empower USDA employees to move USDA into this new era on civil rights."
He then lays out a 14 point program that includes settling the terrible lawsuit by Black farmers against USDA. They won but after nearly a decade have not been paid. This is long overdue. He ends his three page letter via:
"While there is emphasis on some of these items in FSA, NRCS, and RD, I want to be clear that this memorandum applies to all of USDA, and my expectation is that all agencies will cooperate in this effort and follow this new direction. It is essential that all agencies demonstrate their commitment to these goals.
These are just the first actions in a continuing effort to ensure that the civil rights of USDA constituents and employees are respected and protected. This is a new day for Equal Employment Opportunity, program delivery, and civil rights in USDA. I intend to lead the Department in correcting its past errors, learning from its mistakes, and moving forward to a new era of equitable service and access for all. With this effort and with each USDA employee taking individual responsibility, we can and will transform USDA into a model organization."
Now, that is true leadership. I was compelled to write him and congratulate him on his vision and have pledge to support his efforts. Not only is he talking it; his actions demonstrate true commitment. He has appointed the Honorable Dr. Joe Leonard as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. Joe has tenured at Operation Push, Center for Civil Rights and the Congressional Black Caucus. His reputation is superb and this appointment indicates that things are really about to change at USDA.
Please keep in mind that the Department of Agriculture just isn’t for farms. Any community with a population of 40,000 or less comes under the jurisdiction of USDA. The billions of dollars it has in business loans, energy projects and infrastructure improvement, just to name a few, should be made available to all of us. They haven’t been but now a new day is dawning.
Over thirty percent of the employees of USDA are eligible for retirement. Many of them, who cannot adjust to diversity, will start to go. As they leave, we should build a reserve of applicants and fill these vacancies with people who have no problem with equal opportunity. It is truly a blessing to be witnessing this radical change right before our eyes. Let us prepare to make this transition in the name of our children and grandchildren. If you want to see the actual letter of Secretary Vilsack you can visit our website at www.nationalbcc.org. A new day is dawning and as we all come together please remember: YES WE CAN!
