1865 1868 1920 2021
13th Amendment 14th Amendment 19th Amendment American Rescue Plan
Outlaws Slavery Makes Blacks U.S Citizens Grants Women The Right To Vote
13th Amendment 14th Amendment 19th Amendment American Rescue Plan
Outlaws Slavery Makes Blacks U.S Citizens Grants Women The Right To Vote
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EXAMINING SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND GENDER DISCRIMINATION AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
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Workers: Sexual harassment also rampant at Forest Service
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Few women fight wildfires. That’s not because they’re afraid of flames.
WHISKEYTOWN, Calif. -- The burn boss scanned the snaking trail of the Swasey Recreation Area through thick black sunglasses.
She saw firefighters scurrying on a hill above in a smoky blue haze. They were setting dozens of fires to burn away piles of sticks and shrubs that a lightning strike or cigarette butt could use to grow into a wildfire. Their work was part of a key prescribed burn training that could help them move up in rank.
But there was a much deeper meaning for burn boss Erin Banwell and the firefighters in the haze. All but a few were women, and they were taking part in the first majority-female training exchange, called WTREX, in a profession that is known for shunning women.
“We need to create a space for women to develop,” said Amanda Stamper, one of the training’s organizers, who darted up and down the trail to offer help. “They get held back on purpose because of bias. It makes it really hard for women to function well.”
During the first briefing meeting for the three-day prescribed burning in October, Kelly Martin, the fire chief at Yosemite National Park, was floored when she entered a dining hall and saw 35 women staring back at her. “It was just, like, . . . stunning,” Martin said. “I needed a moment.” In more than three decades as a wildfire fighter, she had never seen so many female colleagues in one room at one time.
WHISKEYTOWN, Calif. -- The burn boss scanned the snaking trail of the Swasey Recreation Area through thick black sunglasses.
She saw firefighters scurrying on a hill above in a smoky blue haze. They were setting dozens of fires to burn away piles of sticks and shrubs that a lightning strike or cigarette butt could use to grow into a wildfire. Their work was part of a key prescribed burn training that could help them move up in rank.
But there was a much deeper meaning for burn boss Erin Banwell and the firefighters in the haze. All but a few were women, and they were taking part in the first majority-female training exchange, called WTREX, in a profession that is known for shunning women.
“We need to create a space for women to develop,” said Amanda Stamper, one of the training’s organizers, who darted up and down the trail to offer help. “They get held back on purpose because of bias. It makes it really hard for women to function well.”
During the first briefing meeting for the three-day prescribed burning in October, Kelly Martin, the fire chief at Yosemite National Park, was floored when she entered a dining hall and saw 35 women staring back at her. “It was just, like, . . . stunning,” Martin said. “I needed a moment.” In more than three decades as a wildfire fighter, she had never seen so many female colleagues in one room at one time.
Did Firefighter Commit Suicide After Cyber Bullying? Fire Chief to Investigate
Fire chief addresses local web forum posts "that so many of you have been discussing regarding Firefighter-Nicole Mittendorff."
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Did a female firefighter in Fairfax County commit suicide after disparaging remarks were posted about her on a Fairfax County Web forum featuring rumors and gossip?
Last Thursday afternoon, remains found at Shenandoah National Park were preliminarily identified as that of missing firefighter Nicole Mittendorff, 31, of Woodbridge, according to Virginia State Police and the National Park Service. In addition, a note was found in her car, police said. She had worked for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue the past three years, stationed in Fairfax Station.
Fire chief addresses local web forum posts "that so many of you have been discussing regarding Firefighter-Nicole Mittendorff."
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Did a female firefighter in Fairfax County commit suicide after disparaging remarks were posted about her on a Fairfax County Web forum featuring rumors and gossip?
Last Thursday afternoon, remains found at Shenandoah National Park were preliminarily identified as that of missing firefighter Nicole Mittendorff, 31, of Woodbridge, according to Virginia State Police and the National Park Service. In addition, a note was found in her car, police said. She had worked for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue the past three years, stationed in Fairfax Station.
Clinton’s Fab 5 for agriculture secretary
By IAN KULLGREN 10/24/16 10:00 AM EDT
With help from Jenny Hopkinson, Helena Bottemiller Evich and Megan Cassella
CLINTON’S FAB 5 FOR AG SECRETARY: Five names sit atop an evolving list of candidates under consideration to lead USDA should Hillary Clinton become president, sources familiar with her transition team’s thinking tell Pro Agriculture. The top contenders are: Karen Ross, California’s agriculture secretary; Blanche Lincoln, a former Arkansas senator; Kathleen Merrigan, a former USDA deputy secretary; John Hickenlooper, Colorado’s governor; and Steve Beshear, Kentucky’s former governor.
Talk show host, Ms. Zarinah Zakhur, Perspectives of Interfaith, Interview Ms. Yaida Ford, Attorney & Lawrence Lucas, USDA Coalition of Minority Employees, Saturday October 24, 2015.
The continued widespread discrimination at the US Department of Agriculture, against USDA employees & minority farmers, especially, Black farmers.
The continued widespread discrimination at the US Department of Agriculture, against USDA employees & minority farmers, especially, Black farmers.
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Michael McCray is a public interest advocate who combats racism and corruption in the government and other institutions which deprive individuals of their basic civil rights, human rights and constitutional liberties. McCray is co-chair of the International Association of Whistleblowers (IAW), and a National Board Member for Federally Employed Women Legal Education Fund (FEW/LEF). McCray is the Author of ACORN 8: RACE, POWER & POLITICS--Memoirs of an ACORN Whistleblower; and he also hosts "The Fifth Estate" on Pacifica Radio, the only show made by whistleblowers--about whistleblowers.
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EPA Victims Ask: Who Will Protect Us From Our Protectors?
The public need protection from the Environmental Protection Agency, a “rogue” department of government that ruthlessly suppresses the truth about its actual activities. “The EPA’s Office of General Counsel, Office of Civil Rights and the Office of the Administrator have all been complicit in crimes against the people and environment they are charged with protecting.”
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New EEOC Report Examines Obstacles Facing African Americans in Federal Workplace
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today issued a comprehensive report addressing major obstacles hindering equal opportunities for African Americans in the federal work force, in addition to highlighting stakeholder recommendations. The report is available on EEOC's website
The report, prepared by an internal agency work group, is based upon in-depth research and widespread consultations with key federal stakeholder groups representing African Americans, as well as other affinity organizations (referred to in the report as "dialogue partners"). "This report is timely because it coincides with the Commission's recently approved Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2012-2016," said Carlton Hadden, director of EEOC's Office of Federal Operations. "This effort is the latest step in an ongoing dialogue with agency stakeholders to effectuate a model federal workplace for all employees." |
ABuse at usda
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I Am Moral Courage: MARSHA
There are good reasons to question your government. Usually, it's not a Left-Right issue. It's a right-wrong issue. Marsha Coleman-Adabayo is someone who knows very well that governments easily abuse their power. And she calls on us to be fearless citizens. "What happens when all the doors are shutting in your face?" Marsha asks. "What do you do as a citizen of conscience?" Her answer is in this 2-minute story. Be inspired.
THE STRUGGLE IS REAL
Firsts for Women in U.S. Politics
1848The first women's rights convention in the U.S. took place in Seneca Falls, New York. Convened by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and others active in the anti-slavery movement, it resulted in a Declaration of Sentiments modeled on the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration demanded a variety of rights for women, including suffrage.
1866Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first woman to run for the U.S. House of Representatives, even though she was not eligible to vote. She ran as an Independent from New York State, receiving 24 votes of 12,000 that were cast.
Firsts for Women in U.S. Politics
1848The first women's rights convention in the U.S. took place in Seneca Falls, New York. Convened by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and others active in the anti-slavery movement, it resulted in a Declaration of Sentiments modeled on the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration demanded a variety of rights for women, including suffrage.
1866Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first woman to run for the U.S. House of Representatives, even though she was not eligible to vote. She ran as an Independent from New York State, receiving 24 votes of 12,000 that were cast.
BREAKING: House Votes “YES” to Lawsuit Against Obama [DETAILS]
House Republicans recently decided that Barack Obama needed a strong reminder that the office of President of the United States is not a free pass to break the law and do as he pleases. 
Report Shows Lack Of Diversity In Top Civil Service Ranks
The latest annual Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)report on the federal workplace is not happy summer reading for diversity advocates. |
Justice Ginsburg: America Has a 'Real
Racial Problem The Supreme Court was “once a leader in the world” in combating racial discrimination, according to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “What’s amazing,” she added, “is how things have changed.” |
From: FS-Office of the Chief
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2014 1:35 PM To: FS-All FS Subject: CHIEF'S MESSAGE -- 2014 Message on Sexual Harassment All Employees: A recent New York Times article recounted allegations of sexual harassment and abuse among Forest Service employees. The substance of the article was repeated in a piece carried by High County News. These articles touch on issues that are of critical importance to this Agency, and I wanted to personally reach out to each of you to emphasize my commitment to a safe and productive work environment. This article is a reminder that we must continue to take personal responsibility for each other’s welfare and that we all have a role to play in creating the model Forest Service workforce. I am also writing today to share with you that our agency has made some notable strides and improvements over the last three years that were not captured by these articles and I want to ensure that you have all the information available. First, let me emphasize that your safety and welfare are of utmost importance to me and leaders across this Agency. There is no excuse, and no justification for sexual harassment, discrimination, or any form of harassment. As I wrote to you in August of 2013, and reiterate today: I expect this stance from every leader, manager, supervisor and employee. If you see something—say something. Moreover, this stance goes beyond sexual misconduct; it includes horseplay, inappropriate touching, racial jokes, bullying, discrimination, harassment and any behavior that jeopardizes the safe and respectful environment each employee and citizen deserves. Any display of this kind of behavior is unacceptable. The Forest Service takes all complaints or allegations of misconduct and inappropriate behavior in the workplace very seriously. Allegations involving sexual harassment or assaults of any kind or other criminal violations are immediately referred to law enforcement for investigation. Other serious types of misconduct are investigated aggressively and thoroughly using professionally trained and certified investigators and standardized processes and procedures designed to protect victims while also affording the accused all due process required by law. Disciplinary action is taken when warranted and I have worked to ensure that you are all aware of these important steps to address misconduct through the distribution of the disciplinary action report earlier this month. The Forest Service has been working to build on significant actions we’ve undertaken to maintain an inclusive, respectful work environment in this agency, including training for all managers in the Pacific Southwest Region. The Agency has taken additional action by instituting a number of progressive measures designed to improve, enhance, and transform the work environment and also to ensure leaders at all levels were better informed about the types of issues negatively impacting the workforce. Foremost, focus was placed on investments targeted to increase our capacity, competencies, and expertise in our Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity programs and also in equipping leaders throughout the organization to find ways to improve the work environment. The specific measures implemented included:
Thank you for doing your part. Chief Tom Tidwell |
USDA Denies Discrimination against Black Farmers But Pays Out $1.25 Billion Anyway
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) denied allegations that it discriminated against African-American farmers as detailed in a class action lawsuit the farmers filed against the department, but the USDA has nonetheless agreed to pay those farmers $1.25 billion as part of a settlement agreement.
POGO Joins Group Letter Urging President Obama to be More Transparent
July 8, 2014 President Barack Obama The White House Washington, D.C July 8, 2014 Mr. President, You recently expressed concern that frustration in the country is breeding cynicism about democratic government. You need look no further than your own administration for a major source of that frustration – politically driven suppression of news and information about federal agencies. We call on you to take a stand to stop the spin and let the sunshine in. Over the past two decades, public agencies have increasingly prohibited staff from communicating with journalists unless they go through public affairs offices or through political appointees. This trend has been especially pronounced in the federal government. We consider these restrictions a form of censorship -- an attempt to control what the public is allowed to see and hear. The stifling of free expression is happening despite your pledge on your first day in office to bring “a new era of openness” to federal government – and the subsequent executive orders and directives which were supposed to bring such openness about. 1920
19th Amendment grants women the right to vote |
Will Obama And Vilsack Hostile Family Farm Policies Continue If Vilsack Runs And Wins 2016? by Monica Davis
Obama Continues USDA’s 60 Year Plan To Eliminate Family Farmers It’s been nearly 60 years, but the United States Department of Agriculture has nearly succeeded in its mission: to eliminate black, minority and “marginal” farmers. |
Whistleblowers Refuse to be Silenced or Intimidated: Whistleblower Groups Convene Historic Civil and Human Rights Summit on Capitol Hill
Whistleblower, Civil Rights and Human Rights advocates convene a historic summit on Capitol Hill; Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressional Representatives Elijah Cummings, Blake Farenthold, Jackie Speier and U.S. Special Counsel Carolyn Lerner to receive the coveted Pillar Award for Human Rights. Pacifica Radio, Code Pink, ACORN 8 and Drum Majors for Truth join forces to support the Whistleblower Summit for Civil and Human Rights and commemorate National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. |
The Race Debate and SwitchAmerica almost had a real conversation about racism.
It’s clear that the presence of the first black president has done little to salve our racial wounds. Instead, Barack Obama’s presidency may have made things worse. The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified an explosive growth—as much as 800 percent—in the number of white supremacist and “patriot” groups since 2008. Aside from such reactionary responses, the reality of a black man in the White House has injected race into some virgin veins of American life. Brown University political scientist Michael Tesler describes what he calls “the growing racialization of American politics.” Democrats and Republicans once responded roughly similarly to hot-button racial issues (the O.J. Simpson case, Don Imus’ “nappy-headed-hos” slur), but since Obama’s election, a chasm has appeared. |
Black Farmers Finally Collect in $1.2 Billion in Discrimination Case
According to the USDA, Black farm ownership peaked in 1920 at 925,710. By 1982, the number of Black-owned farms had plummeted to 33,250. A 1998 USDA report found that, “The decline of the African American farmer has taken place at a rate that is three times that of white farmers.”
Since 1920, nearly 12 million acres has slipped from the hands of Black farmers. The United States Commission on Civil Rights found that the Farmers Home Administration, “may have hindered the efforts of black small farm operators to remain a viable force in agriculture” and that the USDA and FHA failed to “provide equal opportunities in farm credit programs.” Critics have charged that the Pigford settlement and claim process is rife with fraud, and that some who alleged discrimination never attempted to farm or receive loan assistance from the USDA. But Boyd said that those allegations are an insult to Black farmers. |
Tavis Smiley: ‘Black People Will Have Lost Ground in Every Single Economic Indicator’ Under Obama
Appearing on Fox News, PBS’ Tavis Smiley asserted a fact that many African-Americans have glossed over during President Obama’s presidency. The election of President Obama has been a great symbolic victory, but Smiley noted that blacks have actually “lost ground” during Obama’s tenure.
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USDA Unapproved The Struggle of the Independent Black Farmer
On Thursday, September 5, 2013 a small collective of independent Black farmers from all over the southern region protested in front of the CNN hoping to get the media giant’s attention in helping t...
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Stealing Land & Destroying Black Farmers?
ATLANTA (FinalCall.com) - George B. Hildebrandt is 72-years-old and comes from several generations of farmers.
He has diabetes. He has problems looking into direct sunlight. He struggles to maintain glucose levels to keep his “sugar up.” His sons were raised on his 242-acre soybean farm. They have moved on, carving out other professions and ending a family tradition of tilling the land. |
Black farmers’ lawsuit: Justice delayed is justice deniedAfrican-American farmers won a landmark lawsuit in 1999 against the U.S. Department of Agriculture for racist discrimination in Pigford v. Glickman. In 2011, a federal court approved a second settlement for additional claimants, but no payouts have been issued. Vicious attacks have been leveled against these and other historic settlements — and the farmers who won them – against USDA discrimination.
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Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton Has “Heated Exchange” with Obama
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton had what colleagues are describing as a “heated exchange” with President Obama during a White House meeting with the president on Wednesday.
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Big Brother: Coming to a Federal Government Agency Near You
Under President Obama, five million federal workers are compelled to snitch on each other. Obama’s Insider Threat Program has turned the federal government into an environment where every employee is responsible for ‘turning in’ any co-worker suspected of suspicious behavior, similar to what happened during the Nazi regime.” People with marital or money problems are automatically “suspect.”
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Judge Awards $90.8M in Fees in Black Farmers Class Action
A federal judge in Washington has awarded $90.8 million in fees to the plaintiffs lawyers involved in the high-profile black farmers’ discrimination litigation.
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman concluded the plaintiffs’ attorneys should receive the maximum amount—7.4 percent—under the terms of a historic settlement with the U.S. Justice Department. The deal set out a fee range between 4.1 percent and 7.4 percent. |
Whistleblowing Affects Everyone: Annual Conference July 29-31, 2013
Whistleblowing Affects Everyone is the theme of this year's annual conference known as Washington Whistleblower's Week. The "free" seminar, co-hosted by the Federally Employed Women-Legal Education Fund and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coalition of Minority Employees, will take place on July 29-31, 2013. As in previous years, the Pacifica Foundation will actively participate and support this year's Whistleblower Summit in Washington, DC. The event will "open" with a whistleblower assembly at the Stewart R. Mott House on Capitol Hill located at 122 Maryland Ave, NE, Wash. DC 20002.
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Whistleblowers seek federal protection
WASHINGTON - When the subject of U.S. federal “whistleblowers” is discussed, the focus usually begins with the spectacular exploits of Daniel Ellsberg who leaked the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times in 1971, exposing that the administration of President Lyndon Johnson had “systematically lied, not only to the public, but also to Congress” about the Vietnam War. But the reality in the workplace is that most employees who expose federal waste, fraud and abuse, are women, and like Mr. Ellsberg they are often punished, not rewarded for their courage.
A handful of women, authors, and their supporters came forward again recently for a “Whistleblower Summit on Civil and Human Rights” to challenge President Barack Obama and his administration which they accuse of “WoW”—fighting a War on Whistleblowers and Women. 'I was discriminated against, sexually assaulted, retaliated, anything you can think of. They tried to run me out of there for describing the things that they’ve done, for telling on them, for whistleblowing.' —Alicia Dabney, Summit attendee The Make It Safe Coalition, the ACORN 8, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Coalition of Minority Employees convened the summit May 21-23 to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the “No Fear Act,” which was enacted ostensibly to protect workers who come forward to expose racial discrimination and other wrongful government practices. |
Coalition rallies for black farmers, remembers civil rights leader
A coalition of groups gathered on the north steps of City Hall Wednesday to rally in support of the continuing search for justice by black farmers and black employees of the United States Department of Agriculture and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers.
The coalition brought together Arkansas Delta Agricultural Enterprise Cooperative Inc., the Independent Black Farmers and the USDA Coalition of Minority Employees. |
America: More Diverse yet Less Equal?
Last week the U.S. Census Bureau released data revealing that the majority of children under age 5 were from racial- and ethnic-minority backgrounds and predicted that white Americans will officially become a minority by 2043. At first glance this appears to be positive news -- the promise of a melting pot realized. Yet the report comes in the same month that the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hand down two important decisions about race: the first a challenge by the state of Alabama to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the second questioning the constitutionality of affirmative action in college admissions at the University of Texas. (The UT case was filed by a white woman claiming that she was discriminated against in favor of supposedly "less qualified" ethnic minorities -- though her grades and test scores failed to meet UT standards, regardless of race -- displaying the epitome of petulant white privilege.)
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Federal Employees... Victims of
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Network of Black Farm Organizations responds to New York Times article critical of Pigford lawsuit and other USDA discrimination settlementsThe Network of Black Farm Organizations has responded to a 5,000 word investigative article published in the New York Times on April 26 which charges widespread fraud in the settlement of the initial $1 billion Black farmers discrimination lawsuit (Pigford I) against USDA.
The article, by Sharon LaFraniere, entitled “Federal Spigot Flows as Farmers Claim Discrimination” suggested that the “loose conditions for payment of claims opened the floodgates for fraud” . The article was also syndicated and rerun in many other newspapers including the Chicago Tribune. Right-wing commentators and others seized upon the article as supporting their long held contention that the discrimination claims process in the Black farmer and other cases involving Native Americans, Hispanic and women farmers was seriously flawed. |
A racist hatchet job on Black farmers’ lawsuit
Though Andrew Breitbart has been dead a year, his rancid brand of hate-mongering slander is alive and well.
Its latest rotten pustule burst upon the face of the New York Times in a 5,000-word piece by Sharon LaFraniere, with an assist from self-described conservative blogger Dave Weigel at Slate.com, a web site owned by the Washington Post. The inflammatory title of the NYT piece says it all – “US Opens Spigot After Farmers Claim Discrimination.” Waiting in line La Franiere depicts a fantasy world in which Black hucksters are enrolling thousands of African-Americans – many of whom were never farmers or even the heirs of farmers – in an apparently successful discrimination suit against the federal government. |
Secretary Vilsack to speak at Tuskegee
Tom Vilsack, US Secretary of Agriculture, will speak at Tuskegee University’s commencement ceremonies this Saturday.
Commencement will begin at 10 a.m. at the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Center. According to the university, approximately 550 students are expected to graduate. Vilsack previously served two terms as governor of Iowa before beginning his current position in 2009. Tuskegee will award him an honorary doctor of law degree at Saturday’s commencement. |
US officials, black farmers defend USDA settlement after critical New York Times story
Members of the black farming community and their advocates are responding to claims made in a recent New York Times article that a billion-dollar settlement made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to compensate black farmers has become a “magnet for fraud.”
