From February 2023
Today, our #blackhistorymonth highlight focuses on a groundbreaking extension agent named John W. Mitchell. Mitchell dedicated his lifelong career to promoting Black youth involvement in 4H, and improving quality of life for Black farmers across the South.
After receiving a Master’s Degree in Sociology from @uindy, Mitchell worked as a principal in multiple highschools. He then moved back to his home state of North Carolina and started work as an extension agent for 3 counties. He reportedly commuted up to 45 miles daily by bike or horse to visit constituents across the counties he served, and was later promoted to a state-wide supervisory position.
As an extension agent, Mitchell was dedicated to making agricultural research and technology accessible to Black farmers. He also improved access to financial services by helping farmers organize under a credit union so they could buy supplies together in bulk. Additionally, he was responsible for organizing one of the largest 4H clubs for Black students in the United States.
During Mitchell’s career in the 30s, 40s and 50s, 4H and extension were racially segregated with separate programs for Black and white students and families. Despite the many obstacles caused by this racist and unjust system, Mitchell was eventually appointed as National Extension Leader, “the highest rank ever given up to that time to a person of color within the national extension organization,” (NCSU) where he managed extension services in 17 states.
Mitchell’s passion for agricultural education opened doors for a tremendous number of Black students and farmers, who at the time were excluded from many agricultural establishments. He leaves an exceptional legacy as we continue to pursue diversity and inclusion in agriculture and natural resource management. At UGArden, we hope to empower students of all backgrounds to be agricultural leaders. Check the comments for resources for students of color in agriculture!
Sources: @ncstate Special Collections, @ccecornell, @gillsonions, @newsandrecord
