A former congressman whose business organization included the first African-American owned John Deere dealerships was recently welcomed onto the board of governors for the Joint Center of Political and Economic Studies.

J.C. Watts, who represented Oklahoma in the House of Representatives, still provides consultation to John Deere. He said that the Joint Center has done important work in American policy making.

"I value this opportunity to build on the Joint Center's influence and increase its impact in empowering all Americans to achieve their dreams," Watts said.

Along with his work with John Deere and his time in Congress, Watts co-founded the Coalition for AIDS Relief in Africa and created the J.C. and Frankie Watts Foundation. The latter focuses on charitable activities such as urban renewal.

Recently, the Iowa African-American Hall of Fame, which is located on the campus of Iowa State University, announced it would induct Chuck Toney on August 6. He was the first African-American to serve at an executive level for John Deere and also acted as its director for affirmative action.