As Biden seeks diversity on his team, the Agriculture Department becomes a flash point
By Ellyn Ferguson CQ-Roll Call January 23, 2021 5:54pm Text size Copy shortlink:
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden s choice to fill the deputy secretary post at the Agriculture Department underscores the scarcity of Blacks and other minorities in high-profile positions in agriculture.
Jewel Bronaugh, Virginia commissioner of agriculture and consumer services, would become the first woman of color to serve as the USDA deputy secretary if confirmed. Bronaugh is one of two African American members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, which represents top officials at state and U.S. territorial departments.
SPECULATION is growing that government could introduce tougher rules to combat Covid-19. During the third national lockdown people are required to stay indoors unless leaving for work or essential shopping. They can also meet one other person outside and exercise. But, according to the Daily Telegraph, the prime minister spoke with senior ministers on Sunday to evaluate whether the current lockdown rules were working as coronavirus case numbers – as well as the death toll – continues to soar. Tougher restrictions could include people having to wear masks in outdoor places – such as queues for supermarkets – as well as stopping people meeting one other person outside from a different bubble.
Storytellers in song
From left, storytellers (in song) Anne E. DeChant and Si Kahn will perform with Kid Pan Alley host Paul Reisler this Sunday evening at 7 p.m. Courtesy photo
This Sunday, Dec. 13at 7 p.m., Kid Pan Alleyâs Because We Have Music free livestream concert series features master storytellers in song, Si Kahn and Anne E. DeChant, with hosts Paul Reisler with Cheryl Toth.
DeChant is first and last a story-teller, an artist who writes with an urgency and sweet understanding of the people who stumble and keep on keeping on. Sheâs performed with Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Don Henry and others.Â