United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Washington, D.C. – As part of a long-standing tradition, the DEA Washington Division will take the month of February to honor the contributions and history of our African American community.

National African American History Month is a time to celebrate our rich diversity. It is also a time to reflect on the accomplishments of African Americans throughout history, and to look forward to what diversity will mean to us all in the future – a topic of particularly rich context and depth here in our Nation’s Capital.

As such, the DEA Washington Division will not limit its celebration, or its commitment to diversity and knowledge, only to the month of February. Remembering and embracing Black history and the history of the many diverse groups in America will be a year-long commitment – a commitment made every day, and in every decision the DEA Washington Division makes.

“To be successful, we must build upon our foundation of diversity,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division.

National African American History Month is not just a commemoration for African Americans. It is a celebration for all Americans, because Black history is synonymous with American history – it is an integral part of our unique history as a nation.

It spans from some of America’s darkest days – the time of slavery – to some of its brightest moments – like when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. told us his dream of what America could be, or when President Barack Obama was elected as the first black President of our nation.

The members of the DEA Washington Division are proud to be a part of the greater Federal Law Enforcement community that works to keep American families safe, every day. And they experience that same sense of pride recalling Dr. King’s dream, for themselves. 

The DEA Washington would like to thank its partners at the U.S. Department of Justice, the DEA Equal Employment Opportunity office, and the members of the various DEA Diversity committees for their leadership and commitment in spearheading diversity and inclusion-oriented programs for the benefit of the entire Division.

For the DEA, the annual commemoration of National African American History Month is part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to diversity. Each employee brings different histories, different heritages, and different perspectives to the table. These differences reflect where each individual comes from, the current world we all live in, and the great places we are going as a nation.

It is this diversity that enriches our nation, and which will keep America strong in the future.

For no matter how diverse we are, we are part of the same team, with the same goal – to protect our communities. As a team, we will work to protect our fellow citizens from the threat of violent crime, deadly drugs, and overdoses ravaging our area.  As a team, we will fight to protect the safety and rights of all Americans. And as a team, we will foster a strong, dedicated, and united community, ready to handle today’s challenges.

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