CEP 4-H celebrates Black History Month

 

Thomas Monroe Campbell, the FIRST Extension Agent in the U.S. appointed in 1903 in Taliaferro County, Georgia, pioneered the establishment of the Cooperative Extension Service. Influenced by the agricultural innovations of the Tuskegee Institute, where Dr. George Washington Carver conducted groundbreaking research, Campbell's early extension efforts showcased the collaborative nature of agricultural education during this crucial period. This connection highlights the significant influence of institutions like the Tuskegee University on developing modern agricultural extension programs. Campbell's dedication laid the foundation for the evolving Cooperative Extension System, encompassing diverse educational programs and services that continue to benefit farmers and communities nationwide.

Dr. Booker T. Washington, a prominent African American educator and leader, significantly contributed to agriculture by emphasizing vocational education. He believed that practical skills were essential for the economic empowerment of Black communities, particularly in the Southern United States. Washington established the Tuskegee Institute in 1881, where agricultural education was central to the curriculum. Under his leadership, Tuskegee became a hub for innovative farming practices, emphasizing self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture, empowering Black farmers, and providing them with the tools to achieve economic independence