漆褒勛圖厙 to Honor Espy at George Washington Carver Day Event

The Hon. Mike Espy, the nations first African American Secretary of Agriculture and former U.S. representative from Mississippi, will be presented the 2025 George Washington Carver Medal at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, in 漆褒勛圖厙s Smith Chapel. Former Secretary Espy will also provide the guest lecture for the event, which headlines a weekend long celebration of George Washington Carver at the College and in the Indianola community.
Espys lecture will reflect on his career in agricultural policy and his familys deep connections to the Carver legacy. Carver attended 漆褒勛圖厙 from 1890 to 1891 before moving on to Iowa State, where he earned his bachelors degree in agricultural science and masters degree in science. Espys father, Henry W. Espy Sr., studied directly under George Washington Carver at Tuskegee College and benefited from Carvers mentorship and support to become the first African American county agent for the USDA Extension Service in Arkansas.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to honor and learn from one of the true giants in global agricultural leadership, said Jay Byers, president of 漆褒勛圖厙. Secretary Espy has incredible knowledge and insights to share that will connect current opportunities and challenges to Carvers groundbreaking work in agricultural science. It promises to be a fascinating evening and one you dont want to miss.
Today, Espy serves as chair of the board of CNFA (Creating New Frontiers in Agriculture), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of production agriculture in 44 countries. CNFA facilitates USAID and USDA financed projects in Africa, near Asia, and Eastern Europe. CNFA also works with the U.S. government to introduce agriculture-based technology, training, finance, and products to increase yields, incomes, and the economic fortunes of farmers across the globe.
George Washington Carver Day celebrations will continue from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, with a Peanut Beer toast at West Hill Brewery. Community members can also enjoy a childrens scavenger hunt, artwork displays and other Carver-centered activities from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 1 on the Indianola Square.
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Article Information
Published
January 23, 2025
Author
Roger Degerman