Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Success Story

A Hoosier Tale of Triumph over Tribulation

Topics
Publish Date
Leonard Jordan

When Leonard Jordan retired from NRCS he was able to occupy the highest office in our agency. He served as our NRCS Chief (Acting) for over two years before handing over the reigns.

Written by Keith Williams, Black Special Emphasis Program Manager

When you think about the words in the phrase “Black History Month” one might think that we are talking about ancient history or something that occurred generations ago. It is completely different when we discuss black history. Yes, it is a celebration of accomplishments that have happened in history, but its primary purpose is to highlight the fact that despite great progress, there is still work to do. With this in mind, I wanted to share a story with you about a man that recently retired in 2019, but he began his career in Indiana.

When Leonard Jordan retired from NRCS he was able to occupy the highest office in our agency. He served as our NRCS Chief (Acting) for over two years before handing over the reigns to newly appointed Chief, Matt Lohr. Despite all of his accomplishments in his career, Mr. Jordan was always willing to mentor anyone that asked for his counsel. He was even willing to take a phone call from me in retirement for the purpose of this article. Even though he achieved more than he ever expected, he continued to remain humble and appreciative of all the opportunities he received throughout his long forty-year career, especially his beginnings in Indiana.

After graduating from Tennessee State University, his first jobs in Indiana included technician positions for Vanderburgh and Posey Counties. He eventually accepted his first district conservationist (DC) position in southeast Indiana. He was the first black employee to hold a DC position in that county. When he arrived, he was welcomed by his area conservationist (AC) who assisted him in accommodations, including helping him find a home. This AC helped him clean and paint this home to make it ready and they became friends.

Unfortunately, not everyone was so welcoming, and Mr. Jordan was not greeted with open arms by all in his new community. There were some that chose to ignore or not do business with him, yet others threatened and even committed vandalism to his car. Finally, the Indiana State and local police departments were involved, and things settled down for a while. Yet though all of that, he never let these incidents distract him from his commitment to his plan of having a long career in conservation. He would not be triggered by negativity and instead focused on changing hearts and winning over the very people that did not want to see him succeed. He did exactly that. One of the people that gave him the hardest time in the beginning ended up becoming a lifelong friend, and they still talk to this day. By the time Mr. Jordan left that county for a promotion many considered him a local celebrity.

When I asked Mr. Jordan what advice he would give young employees as they begin their career in conservation, he offered the following:

  1. Have a good work ethic
  2. Always be a learner
  3. Find a mentor or mentors
  4. Become a sponge and absorb everything you can
  5. Overcome fear and obstacles

As we celebrate Black History Month let us remember the people in our past but also keep in mind our current and future employees. If we all work together, we can ensure that no other employees will have to overcome some of the obstacles that Mr. Jordan and others had to face just to do their jobs. Black History Month is an annual celebration for all employees to remember the importance of supporting each other, so that we all can continue to do the great work in conservation for generations to come.

As we close out our Black History moments, I want to thank all who have reached out, and commented on things I sent out during the month of February and offer you one last closing quote.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” -  Martin Luther King, Jr.

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.