Photo of Lawrence C. Lucas, President of the USDA Coalition of Minority Employees testify at  Senate Agriculture Committee Hearing before Senator Richard Lugar, Chairman

______________________________________________________________________________________________

2001: A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Members and Supporters:

This is a pivotal period for our members and supporters nationwide. As individuals we can choose to disagree with both past and new leadership and label them based on past performance. However, the Coalition is a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic organization and therefore, must always base all actions on facts, as they exist today - - - not emotions.

We must continue being proactive in keeping civil rights issues on the radar screen, if we are to succeed in changing a long existing culture of racism, sexism, reprisal, and hostile work environment for those who speak out. Coalition members must take advantage of each and every opportunity to change the status quo. One method of doing so is to write your elected officials - - - local, state and federal to request their support. It is within your constitutional rights to do so. We can work with anyone to break the cycle of discrimination at the USDA. However, if we are to achieve our many objectives, we must be consistent, persistent and unified, as we have done while under siege.

The way we respond to the coming challenges will shape opinions and determine our future successes. Working together to gain the support of the new administration will expedite achieving of our goal- - - to bring about justice, fairness and a reprisal free workplace. There will be no change at the USDA without pain, suffering and sacrifice. We must right the wrongs and continued injustices perpetrated against those we represent - - - people of color, women, persons with disabilities and others.

The Coalition continues to support you - - - and we must continue to support each other!

Sincerely,

//S//

LAWRENCE C. LUCAS

President, USDA Coalition of Minority Employees

P.O. Box 23510

Washington, D.C. 20026-3510

Phone: (856)910-2399

Fax: (856) 910-1523