CDFA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the agency’s Office of Civil Rights hosted a Black History Month panel discussion this week. Moderated by CDFA Deputy Secretary of Administration and Finance Arima Kozina, the event highlighted the stories, experiences, and reflections of staff as well as insight from members of California’s State Board of Food and Agriculture. The panelists included Anissa Kotey, Kelvin Kimball, Doria Robinson, and Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire.
Doria Robinson began the discussion by sharing her perspective as the first urban-agriculture member of the State Board. As Executive Director of Urban Tilth, based in Richmond CA, she leads efforts to provide fresh food to low-income communities of color. “Operating a farm in a community with little access to food has given me a deep appreciation for the role agriculture plays in equity,” Robinson shared. She emphasized the importance of highlighting lesser-known historical contributions, such as the knowledge of rice cultivation brought by enslaved Africans. “It’s vital to honor the folks who made this possible,” she said.
Kelvin Kimball, an Associate Governmental Program Associate with the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division, reflected on how Black history was deeply personal to him. He was born in Columbus, Georgia and moved to Atlanta shortly afterwards. He spent most of his life in California after his parents relocated from Georgia. He received his undergraduate degree from Clark Atlanta University, a historically Black college. “My dad walked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and my mom was the first African American stewardess for Southern Airways. She couldn’t even get off the plane in some cities because of segregation,” Kimball recalled. These experiences shaped his identity and commitment to educating others. He highlighted the contributions of African American inventor Garrett Morgan, who developed the refrigerated truck and the gas mask, noting how these innovations revolutionized the health and safety field. “It’s difficult not having an understanding of one’s history,” he reflected. Kimball also emphasized the critical role of education in fostering understanding: “I try to post 28 days of African American history [on social media] every Black History Month so that people can see the contributions we’ve made.”
Anissa Kotey, Staff Services Manager for CDFA’s Human Resources Branch, brought a global lens to the discussion. Having grown up in both California and London, she noted how her experience of Blackness varied across continents. “For me, Black History Month is about recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of Black people across the diaspora,” Kotey said. She emphasized the importance of understanding the intersectionality of Black identities, particularly the experiences of people of Caribbean and Latino descent. Kotey expressed excitement about CDFA’s potential to be a driver in sharing these stories.
Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire, Dean of Agriculture at Fresno State and a member of the State Board, focused on Black contributions to agriculture and science. “George Washington Carver was a pioneer of regenerative agriculture, using peanuts as a soil amendment more than 100 years ago,” he explained. St. Hilaire underscored the legacy of Black farmers in California, noting that only about 500 remain today. “These farmers have played a critical role in cultivating niche crops like okra and black beans that add diversity to our plates,” he said. He also called for increased technical and financial support for Black farmers, stressing the importance of equitable policies. St. Hilaire expressed hope for contributing his expertise on water policy to the board, particularly around the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). “We need to ensure small and underserved farmers are supported with friendly regulations,” he stated.
Doria Robinson closed the panel by reflecting on the limited but meaningful recognition Black History Month brings. “It’s the shortest month of the year, and we get positive stories, but after March 1st, they disappear,” she said. She emphasized the importance of telling complex, authentic stories about African American contributions beyond stereotypes. Robinson also expressed pride in her work on CDFA’s Land Equity Task Force, which aims to create greater access to farming and land ownership for underserved communities. “This work is critical, and I’m excited about moving forward with the recommendations,” she concluded.
The event underscored the significance of Black History Month as a time for reflection, education, and action. As CDFA continues its commitment to equity and inclusion, events like this panel discussion provide a platform for honoring history and fostering progress.