As we pause today to remember and honor Dr. King’s impact on the world many ask, “What can I do?” We believe one of the best ways to respect Dr. King’s legacy is to continue his work. You can do so by standing up for justice for Black farmers.
Black farmers have long faced discrimination, which has greatly reduced the numbers of Black farmers today. In 1910, 14% of all U.S. farmers were Black. Today less than 2% of all farmers in the United States are Black. Much of this discrimination happened at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), where racial discrimination resulted in the drastic loss of Black-owned farmland.
You can help by contacting your elected officials. The Justice for Black Farmers Act increases oversight to prevent future USDA discrimination and directs support to help Black farmers succeed, such as land access, training and apprenticeships, credit assistance, funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and more.
The Act would also make overall improvements to the food system by dramatically increasing funding to support local and regional food economies, financial and technical assistance to help farmers tackle climate change, increase renewable energy, and fight corporate domination of the livestock and poultry industry.
Together, we can create a food system that works for everyone. This proposed legislation would significantly help in that process. Please contact your elected representatives today.
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