Just about everyone agrees that the recent NRCS/Farm Service Agency Diversity Day was a resounding success with more than 100 USDA employees learning about the folklore of America’s Indians and listening to pre-Civil War American Negro spirituals.  Literally world-class performers, Dr. Francoise Clemmons and his accompanist George Matthew, Jr. filled the capitol plaza with songs from Porgy and Bess as they have done throughout the U.S., Europe, and Russia.

Howard Lyons sang some traditional American Indian songs of his people blended with world beat and folk conveying messages of respect and gratitude.  Lyons recordings have been nominated for a Best Native American Artist and Singer Songwriter GRAMMY.

Director of Social Advocacy and Coffee Community Outreach for Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Rick Peyser and fair promoter Ed Canty also of Green Mountain, brought their knowledge of the needs of the world’s coffee growers to the meeting along with perspectives on coffee's interface with the environment.
Your contact is Anne Hilliard, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 802-951-6796, ext. 234.