Simpson to Honor Espy at George Washington Carver Day Event

The Hon. Mike Espy, the nation’s first African American Secretary of Agriculture and former U.S. representative from Mississippi, will be presented the 2025 George Washington Carver Medal at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, in Simpson’s Smith Chapel. Former Secretary Espy will also provide the guest lecture for the event, which headlines a weekend long celebration of George Washington Carver at the College and in the Indianola community.

Espy’s lecture will reflect on his career in agricultural policy and his family’s deep connections to the Carver legacy. Carver attended Simpson from 1890 to 1891 before moving on to Iowa State, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural science and master’s degree in science. Espy’s father, Henry W. Espy Sr., studied directly under George Washington Carver at Tuskegee College and benefited from Carver’s mentorship and support to become the first African American county agent for the USDA Extension Service in Arkansas.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to honor and learn from one of the true giants in global agricultural leadership,” said Jay Byers, president of Simpson College. “Secretary Espy has incredible knowledge and insights to share that will connect current opportunities and challenges to Carver’s groundbreaking work in agricultural science. It promises to be a fascinating evening and one you don’t want to miss.”

Today, Espy serves as chair of the board of CNFA (Creating New Frontiers in Agriculture), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of production agriculture in 44 countries. CNFA facilitates USAID and USDA financed projects in Africa, near Asia, and Eastern Europe. CNFA also works with the U.S. government to introduce agriculture-based technology, training, finance, and products to increase yields, incomes, and the economic fortunes of farmers across the globe.

George Washington Carver Day celebrations will continue from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, with a Peanut Beer toast at West Hill Brewery. Community members can also enjoy a children’s scavenger hunt, artwork displays and other Carver-centered activities from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 1 on the Indianola Square.

For more information please visit simpson.edu/carver-celebration.