Black farmers win settlement from government
The Obama administration announced a $1.25 billion settlement yesterday, resolving a decades-long fight by thousands of black farmers who say the Agriculture Department discriminated against them in loan programs. At times, this discrimination forced them to lose their farms.
The settlement will affect 80,000 farmers in 42 states and is contingent on the money being appropriated by Congress. President Obama has made it clear that getting the money to the farmers is a priority. President of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd, Jr., brings us the history of the fight on behalf of black farmers across the country.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!