USDA Commemorates the 78th Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

USDA commemorated the 78th birthday of Dr. Marin Luther King at a celebration held in USDA’s Jefferson Auditorium in Washington, DC. on January 11, 2007. USDA employees gather annually to pay tribute to Dr. King through programs that generate a spirit of unity and service, raise awareness of the important contributions made by Dr. King, and highlight the value that USDA places on diversity. This year’s celebration was themed "In the Spirit of Unity and Service, Remember! Celebrate! Act!"

Winners of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

Daejonne Bennett, winner of the MLK Essay Contest for the Grades 6-8 category, shown with Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Margo M. McKay, and Daejonne’s mother, Ms. LaShauna Jones of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Tiffany Hodge, runner up of the MLK Essay Contest for the Grades 6-8 category, shown with Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Margo M. McKay, and Tiffany’s mother, Ms. Donna Hodge-Weatherby of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Joshua Crockett, winner of the MLK Essay Contest for the Grades 9-12 category, shown with Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Margo M. McKay, and his parents. Joshua’s mother, Mrs. Valerie Crockett is an employee of USDA’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)

Christopher W. Hill, runner up of the MLK Essay Contest for the Grades 9-12 category, shown with Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Margo M. McKay, and Christopher’s mother, Ms. Lauren D. Hill of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Ms. Thelma Floyd, Director, USDA 1890 National Scholars Program introduces 1890 Scholars Program alumni.

Sterling August, III, Management and Program Analyst in the Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights’ Budget and Finance Division reads excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail”.

Tiffany Armstrong, Agency Representative/Equal Employment Specialist for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, in the Office of Civil Rights, reads excerpts from Martin Luther King’s speech, “I Have A Dream”.

Blacks In Government Choir provides entertainment at the 2007 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday celebration.