Lawrence C. Lucas, President

USDA Coalition of Minority Employees

 Biography

 Lawrence C. Lucas has been  President, USDA Coalition of Minority Employees (The Coalition) since 1994.  As a result of his dynamic leadership, “The Coalition” has gained national recognition. Its unique structure - - -  multicultural, multiracial and multiethnic,  has precipitated its being classified as one of the Federal government’s premier civil rights organizations. Mr. Lucas has revitalized and mobilized the group - - -  building it into the highly respected and effective organization it is today. The Coalition is comprised of 52 Chapters nationwide, representing 32 states, including Alaska and Puerto Rico, representing thousands of employees, and continues to grow.  

Mr. Lucas’ tenacity and solution driven actions have attracted national attention.  Due to  the respect and credibility accorded him by leaders in the civil rights arena, Lucas is frequently asked to be the lead guest speaker, to serve as a panel member at symposiums and national conferences. He has been a guest on national  television and radio shows.  His expertise and commitment to the eradication of discrimination serves as inspiration to others, who now stand beside him, to advocate for fairness and accountability in the federal government. Lucas’ vision and keen insight into discriminatory issues involving program delivery, workforce diversity, hostile work environment, etc., have transformed him into a “ Conduit for Change.”

 Lawrence’s  proactive efforts to reinvent USDA’s discriminatory culture of abuse, retaliation, racism and sexism, into one where employees and customers are treated with dignity and respect, have captured the attention of the White House, Members of Congress, and the Media.  His vocal and visible support of Black farmers, has helped resolve the Black Farmer Class Action lawsuit, in addition to employee class action lawsuits and individual complaints. Mr. Lucas has been invited to testify before the Congressional Black Caucus, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, and recently, the Senate Committee on Government Affairs and Oversight, Senator Richard Lugar, Chair, and others.                                               

Under his leadership, The Coalition has been crusading for equality in all civil rights administrative and program activities for all federal employees and customers. His participation as a key member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Federal Sector Task Force, chaired by Leroy Warren, has resulted in increasing the Coalition’s influence, visibility and access - - - putting civil rights issues on the radar screen at the USDA, the Congress, the White House and the Nation.

Mr. Lucas retired from USDA in 1996, after 36 ½ years of public service. He came to USDA in 1977 as a political appointee during President Jimmy Carter's Administration; after spending five years in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as a photogrammetric instructor, representing the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of Defense. He served as speech writer for former Agriculture Secretary Bob Bergland and the Subcabinet.   He holds the distinction of being the first African American Instructor at the Ethiopian Mapping and Geography Institute.  A native Washingtonian, he holds both a Masters of Science Degree in Adult Education, (Administration), University of the District of Columbia, June1973, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration, University of Southern California, Los Angeles Campus, June 1974.  

Lawrence has received a host of awards for his outspoken support of civil rights enforcement and accountability. Under his leadership, the Coalition has acquired a new image - - - moving from the status of spectator to national prominence. His outspoken, “ Tell it like it is ” results oriented, solution-driven management style, has challenged USDA management to better serve the American Taxpayer.  His quest for government Accountability  punishing officials found guilty of discrimination against USDA employees and customers,  “A Road Less Traveled By ... And, That Has Made All The Difference.”  

The measure of a man is not where he stands at times of comfort and convenience,

 but where he stands at moments of challenge 

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.