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Restoring hope for Black farmers and a healthy Black community
January 20, 2012
Throughout American history, African-Americans have landed on the short end of discrimination. So, as I surfed through the website of the National Black Farmers Association, my attention was immediately captured by a glaring banner stating, “Black Farmers Awarded $1.15 Billion in Settlement.”
Just pay up
September 12, 2010
For decades, Black farmers dealt with devastating discrimination from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because of it, many lost their land. It cost them dearly, and it took the government years to admit it. The Senate needs to appropriate the funds for Pigford II, lest the shame grow even deeper.
Black farmers: White House must make passing settlement funding immediate priority
July 26, 2010
I am concerned that Congress will not act to fully fund the Black farmers settlement before it expires. By agreement amongst the parties it had been extended 50 days from June 29, 2010. This year I have attended the funerals of many Black farmers who passed before ever seeing this case resolved.
Cynthia McKinney: Vilsack must keep Black farmers on their land
July 21, 2010
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack admitted in a press conference today, “I did not think before I acted.” It is clear from his press conference that he failed in his treatment of USDA Georgia State Rural Development Director Shirley Sherrod. Unfortunately, Secretary Vilsack has also thrown Black farmers under the bus.
Black farmers and pot
July 7, 2010
In 1920, nearly 15 percent of our nation’s farmers were Black. Today, fewer than 1 percent of our nation’s farmers are Black. An official USDA marijuana study shows possible yields of 400-500 pounds per acre of high yield production utilizing natural organic methods. Should Black farmers grow marijuana as a strategy to stabilize Black land loss in America?
Village Bottoms Farms: Growing our food, owning our future
May 28, 2009
Marcel Diallo is a legend in Oakland for having put in over a decade of cultural work with the Black Dot Artist Collective, and now he is the main architect of a Black cultural district, the Village Bottoms Cultural District in the Lower Bottoms of West Oakland, near the old Army base.
Sustenance
January 3, 2009
The way we grow, distribute and prepare food should celebrate our various cultures and our shared humanity, providing not only sustenance, but justice, beauty and pleasure.
Wanda’s Picks for Oct. 31, 2008
November 1, 2008
Fet Gede, a national holiday in Haiti, is the Haitian celebration of All Souls Day, celebrated Nov. 2. It is a time of both jubilant celebration and a time to fondly remember those who have passed on. For this occasion, please wear purple, black and white, the traditional colors for Gede.