At the Forest Service, Black History Month is a chance to reflect on the impact Black Americans have had on our country and our agency. Their leadership, service and resilience uplift our mission and shape the lands we care for. As the United States approaches 250 years of independence, we honor those whose courage and conviction have upheld our founding ideals and whose actions continue to strengthen the institutions that serve the American people.

This year also marks 100 years of formally recognizing Black history. Recognition began in 1915 with the creation of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and grew in 1925 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson established a weeklong observance that later became Black History Month. Since then, the observance has highlighted how Black Americans have shaped our national identity and propelled us forward.

In recognition of great Americans, President Trump has authorized the construction of a National Garden of American Heroes to honor American icons, including Black Americans like Jackie Robinson, Aretha Franklin and Coretta Scott King.

Black history is filled with innovation, creativity and determination that has shaped our nation for generations. Garrett Morgan invented the three-color traffic signal and gas mask. George Washington Carver transformed agriculture and brought learning directly to communities through his mobile classroom. Athletes like Jesse Owens and Muhammad Ali stood firm in their convictions and artists like Nina Simone, Kool & the Gang, and Sherman Hemsley helped define American culture.

From the Triple Nickles of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, who safeguarded our nation’s forests during World War II, to Charles “Chip” Cartwright, one of the first Black foresters in the Forest Service, that same spirit of excellence, service and leadership continues across the agency today. Black employees strengthen the Forest Service every day as firefighters protecting communities, scientists guiding our decisions, recreation specialists enriching visitor experiences, engineers improving critical infrastructure, and leaders shaping our mission. Because of their dedication and contributions, our forests, our communities, and our agency are stronger.

As we reflect on Black History Month, we celebrate the people and stories that unite us. We carry forward the legacy that has enriched our nation and our agency, and we look to the future with optimism—dedicated to service, stewardship and the shared purpose that defines the Forest Service.

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