OUR LAW FIRM FILES SUIT FOR BLACK FARMERS AGAINST
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Our attorney Lew Garrison represents over more than one thousand black farmers who have filed suit or have claims against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for decades of discrimination. The suits and claims seek benefits under a recent federal law giving black farmers a second chance for financial compensation for illegal discrimination by the USDA.
The farmers’ first chance came several years ago, when a class action lawsuit known as the Pigford case resolved the same claims of discrimination brought by thousands of black farmers. However, more than 65,000 black farmers received late notice of that earlier case, so they missed the chance of financial benefits in it. Their claims were refused because the claims were deemed to have been filed too late.
Congressman Artur Davis (D-Ala.) fought to restore a remedy to black farmers when it became evident after the Pigford case that tens of thousands of the farmers had been unfairly denied the opportunity to receive compensation. As a result of that fight, Congress this year included a provision in the Farm Bill that gives the approximately 65,000 black farmers who were “late filers” in the class action an opportunity to have their claims considered on the merits. The Farm Bill was vetoed by President Bush, but Congress overrode the President’s veto and the bill is now law.
“We are grateful that the courthouse doors have been opened again for thousands of black farmers who were victims of decades of discrimination at the hands of the USDA,” said attorney Garrison, who represents the Plaintiffs in the lawsuits. Garrison expects to file more suits for deserving black farmers and family members who contact our law firm.
All over Alabama and south Georgia, our law firm has been conducting town meetings for black farmers who may be eligible for benefits under the new law. The events have been widely reported on TV and in local, state, and national newspapers. We will continue to hold the town meetings. “We want every black farmer and the children or grandchildren of black farmers who are deserving to attend a meeting and learn how they can apply for the benefits,” Garrison explains.
The new law only covers the “late filers” in the Pigford 1999 class action settlement, and unfortunately does not cover all who might have a claim of discrimination against the USDA.
“We hope that someday there will be a new remedy made available for all other members of the original Pigford class action who are not late filers, because those people deserve justice in the same manner as those covered under the new law are now receiving,” Garrison said.
Please contact our law firm using our inquiry form (see the link below) to find out if you may be eligible for benefits under the new law. Generally, you should contact us if you are a black farmer who:
- Farmed, or attempted to farm, between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1996;
- Applied to the USDA during that time period for participation in a federal farm credit or benefit program and believe that you were discriminated against on the basis of race in USDA’s response to that application;
- Filed a discrimination complaint on or before July 1, 1997, regarding USDA’s treatment of such farm credit or benefit application; and
- Previously submitted a late filing request under the Pigford settlement.
If you are unsure about the information above, or if you have any questions about your possible eligibility, contact us using our confidential questionnaire:
Click here for our confidential questionnaire
You also can phone us toll free at 1-800-241-9779. Please ask to speak to Chris Hood, Bill Bross, or Sonny Wills. We will be happy to assist you.
For more information, see these recent news articles, including the article about our attorney Lew Garrison’s recent town meetings for black farmers eligible for benefits under the new law.
Albany Herald Article 07/25/08
Tuscaloosa News Article (in PDF file format) 07/24/08
Montgomery Advertiser Article (in PDF file format) 07/10/08
Press Release (in PDF file format) 07/09/08
Tuskegee News Article 07/03/08
Eufaula Tribune Article 06/28/08 |
