Our understanding of history depends on the point of view from which the story is told. Sometimes, new perspectives can challenge what we know.
In 1965, the New Farmers of America (NFA) and the Future Farmers of America (now the National FFA Organization) became one organization.
While labeled a merger, NFA was basically absorbed by FFA. At the time, both organizations were independently successful in honing leadership skills and providing professional development opportunities for young men in agriculture. Since combining, however, the number of African Americans who benefit from activities in FFA and agricultural education has decreased drastically. Many of the traditions, and much of the history and culture of Black agricultural education has been erased or forgotten.
“There was a feeling that this merger was inevitable and not such a bad idea, but there was an expectation that Black students would be provided equal opportunities in all positions and activities,” says Dexter Wakefield, Ph.D., professor and associate dean of academic programs at Alcorn State University. “It did not happen.”
This is a tough — but important — realization. Recent research by Wakefield and Antoine Alston, Ph.D., professor and associate dean at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, captures the experiences of former NFA members and advisors to help the FFA community better understand the past and build a more positive identity for the future.
The time is now for us to better understand the history of an organization that shaped the blue and gold as we know it and ensure the rich culture and tradition of NFA lives on. Read more about the research and history of NFA in “Recapturing a Lost Culture” on page 24 of the spring/summer issue.
I am ready — and honored — to join you on the journey of relearning to make change.
In this issue, you’ll also find articles about National FFA Week, tips for fundraising, social media dos and don’ts, the tradition of FFA camps and more.
Here’s to a successful spring.
Kasey Riebel
Editor, FFA New Horizons
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It’s good to be back!
FFA taught me that my story is important — now it’s my turn to share yours. I’m honored every day to have rejoined FFA, this time as editor of FFA New Horizons, a magazine I used to read (and reread) cover to cover as an FFA member in Nebraska. As a proud FFA alumna, I look forward to sharing the inspiring and powerful stories of FFA members, alumni and supporters within these pages, and in magazine issues to come.
