Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Black Americans and recognize their contributions to our country. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on our work here at the Department to ensure economic growth and opportunity for all communities. The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to using the power of the Federal Government to address the long...

By Paul Watson, Team Lead, Geospatial Reference Data Branch, U.S. Census Bureau I was born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Prince George's County, Maryland. My family is from Jamaica, and always placed a strong emphasis on professionalism and passion. Many of my family members worked in architecture, construction, and engineering jobs that helped shape the earth beneath our feet. Their...

By Angela Ewell-Madison, Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Economic Development Administration As a Black American and a career employee at the Commerce Department’s U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), I believe that Black history is American history. I am proud to join generations of Black public servants in my over 30 years of Federal service. My Journey to...

By Ian Saunders, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Global Markets, Western Hemisphere, International Trade Administration Black History Month provides us an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial justice, and I took this time to think about my own journey as a Black man. As a native of Washington D.C., a predominantly Black city, I never expected that I would someday work in a...

By Michele Lee, Intern, Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Affairs Every February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as a part of Black History Month. Black Americans have been integral to the development and advancement of innovation in the United States, with more than 30% employed in management, business, science and arts occupations...

By James O. Wilson, Assistant Regional Director of the Midwest Regional U.S. Patent and Trademark Office I entered the Department of Commerce’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in January of 1989. I was hired and inspired by one of the first African American female examiners in the examining corps, Mrs. Johnnie Brown. I have loved the ability to engage, support, and nurture...

By Michael Morgan, Ph.D. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Protecting lives, livelihoods, and property for all people in this country through the use of continually improving observations and predictions - that’s the essence of my job description and one I take to heart. Especially the part about...

By: LaTisha I. White, Risk Manager, Geography Division, U.S. Census Bureau To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required (Luke 12:48) Each year, Black History Month reminds me of the rich heritage, sacrifice and contributions of African Americans. My Black history began in Prince George’s County, Maryland. As a young girl, I was heavily influenced by my mother, who began her government career as a GS-2...

By George E. Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) I grew up on a plantation in Savannah, Georgia, in the deeply segregated South. My grandfather and father were butlers and field hands, and my mother was a maid. They were determined that I would have a better life, and they were my mentors and true heroes during my early life. I went to an...

By U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo The Department of Commerce has one overarching goal: To improve America’s economic competitiveness so that our workers and our companies succeed in the global economy. And Black History Month is a great time to showcase the achievements of the Black scientists, educators, creators, activists, and others who have contributed to that goal and continue to...