Black farmers still pushing for lawsuit resolution
By Stephen Dawkins Published 3:58pm Wednesday, July 3, 2013Though a settlement has been reached, Robert Binion doesn't consider a case involving black farmers completed.
"They have done nothing they agreed to," Binion said about the United States government. "We're still in worse shape now than we were in 1999."
Binion and others are still pushing for claimants to receive relief.
More than 10 sympathizers, including Binion, met with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan about the issue at a farm he owns just outside Indianapolis on June 26.
"He was receptive to us," Binion said. "He said he would look into it and see what's happening with this lawsuit."
The meeting with Farrakhan, which lasted about seven hours, came on the heels of his visit to the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana to voice his support for the Voting Rights Act, parts of which the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately ruled unconstitutional.
Class-action lawsuits were filed by black farmers in 1997 and 1998, asserting the U.S. Department of Agriculture discriminated against them on the basis of their race. A consent decree was entered in 1999 to establish deadlines for filing claims.
While more than 22,000 farmers filed claims by the deadline, more than 50,000 eligible claimants missed the deadline. Many were ultimately able to file their claims, and a settlement was reached.
But Binion said he and other claimants, which have formed an organization called Independent Farmers, still haven't received payments, which are estimated to arrive sometime this summer.
"It's been three years," he said. "Some of the black farmers have said, and I've been one of them, they don't want us to farm anymore. They don't want us in the programs."
Binion estimated that more than 400 Chilton County farmers are involved with the lawsuit.
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Whistleblowing Affects Everyone
------------------------------ ----------------------------Pacifica Radio Network SupportsWhistleblower Conference on Civil and Human RightsJuly 29-31, 2013The Make it Safe Coalition (MISC) has for seven years arranged an assembly of whistleblowers in Washington, DC each year for an annual conference originally known as Washington Whistleblower's Week. Federally Employed Women-Legal Education Fund (FEW/LEF) and the USDA Coalition of Minority Employees will co-host this year's Whistleblower Summit a Civil & Human Rights Conference. The public and all whistleblowers and their advocates, are invited to participate. This conference theme is Whistleblowing Affects Everyone. From Independent Black Farmers, Military Whisitleblowers, National Security Whistleblowers and USDA employees who report "pink slime" in our food supply, to Air Marshals reporting lax airport security—Whistleblowers Protect People. Gloria Minott, Public Affairs Director for WPFW will moderate this year's event.We are proud to announce that Representative Marcia Fudge (D-OH) will be honored with a Pillar Human Rights Award for International Person's of Conscience. The Pillar is awarded to notable civil and human rights champions; previous recipients include Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO). The Pacifica Foundation will continue its support of whistleblowers and this event. The international press has been invited as well. The event will "open" with a Whistleblower Assembly at the Stewart R. Mott House on Capitol Hill located at 122 Maryland Avenue, N.E.Washington, D.C. 20002
The Whistleblower Summit will include a number of events workshops and panel discussions;UnlLeash No FEARWar on Whistleblowers & JournalistsCulture of Government CorruptionWarrantless Surveillance of WhistleblowersUSDA: Black Farmers & Minority EmployeesWhistleblower Book Signing &Film ScreeningEEOC: Obstacles to Fair Employment for WhistleblowersMilitary WhistleblowersFounded over 60 years ago to support Free Speech and First Amendment Rights, the Pacifica Foundation has fought for and vigorously defended these rights all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. A staunch supporter of unfettered free speech, the Pacifica National Board voted unanimously to support legislation that would protect Whistleblowers and Free Speech in 2010. Once again, as in previous years, the Pacifica Foundation will actively participate and support this years Whistleblower Summit in Washington, DC. The conference will also feature a Whistleblower Book Signing and Film Screening at Busboys & Poets on July 30, 2013 (5:00—9:00 PM).Again, all are invited for more information please call (703)743-0564 or go to wwwacorn8.com