Black farmers protest US settlement in Memphis

By AP | Last updated: Jan 17, 2012 - 8:57:06 PM

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Supporters of Black farmers are protesting a $1.2 billion settlement for farmers who feel they were discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1981 to 1996.

More than 300 people rallied at the Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis on Jan. 2, The Commercial Appeal reports Thomas Burrell, president of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association, says the rally was expected to raise several thousand dollars for legal costs.

The settlement, which includes a $1.2 billion claims fund, is meant to compensate Black farmers who were not included in a 1999 settlement in Pigford v. Glickman that paid out more than $1 billion to at least 22,000 farmers who claimed discrimination. Some oppose the settlement because it requires those who take part to waive their right to appeal.

“Why should we have to waive our rights, period?” said Mr. Burrell, whose group represents some 10,000 farmers in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.

The six-month window for fi ling claims ends May 11. Informational meetings are scheduled in Memphis through May.

Doris Arnett, who said her parents were farmers, says she is expecting to be compensated “on behalf of our dearest loved ones.”

“When the checks are printed, I expect to see my name on one,” she said.

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