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Subject: congressional hearing photo,1 december 2016
Subject: congressional hearing photo,1 december 2016
Showing posts with label Coalition of USDA Minority Employees and farmers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coalition of USDA Minority Employees and farmers. Show all posts
Monday, December 5, 2016
Thursday, July 7, 2016
FARMER EDDIE WISE....LAND LOST
FARMER EDDIE WISE....LAND LOST
Sent: Thursday, July 7, 2016, 12:25 AM
6 july 2016
mr. smith:below is additional information that suggest that washington politics has had an adverse impact on some of those seeking justice at usda, especially, Black farmers. yes, we are questioning those that say otherwise.the demonstration and the filing of the wise v. usda case should shine some light on what we feel is true. i will send you the press release announcing this event on Friday in washington dc, in front of the us supreme court.respectfully,lawrence lucas
it seems little to no one cares in washington about all the pain and suffering inflicted on so many Black farmers and usda employees by us department of agriculture "the last plantation". that is why we (in buses) are coming to washington dc this week.
this is shameful.lawrence lucas, president emeritususda coalition of minority employees856 / 910-2399
From: LawrLCL@aol.com
To: lawrlcl@aol.com
Sent: 3/31/2016 6:17:20 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: FARMER EDDIE WISE....LAND LOST
March 29, 2016
Gary R. GrantOn Thursday, March 17, 2016, Eddie and Dorothy Wise along with several of their friends traveled back to their farm to remove their personal items from what used to be their home. After finally getting a return call from the Federal Marshal's office as to what day and the time, they were told that they could come on that particular Thursday. They would be allotted 8:00am until 4:00pm that afternoon. Eddie and Dorothy agreed.However, we must let everyone know that we had called Congressman G. K. Butterfield's office earlier because Eddie had not received any call backs from the marshal's office despite the fact that he had called at least three times before a return call to him was made. I had been talking with Eddie through all of this. I wondered if there was some playing around with this man, his wife, and his property. At first, according to several people we know who have who knowledge about the date of the sale of the farm, they all were saying that the sale would take place on March 17. However, since that was not the date for the sale, why did it take them so long to let Eddie know that March 17 was the date for him to remove their personal belongings? And finally, why did it take a call to the congressman's office to get a date and time for Eddie to go and retrieve his and Dorothy's personal belongs.Then, on March 17, Eddie was waiting for some friends from a bit of a distance to assist in the packing and removal of his and Dorothy's things. It was about 9am everyone was in place. According to Eddie, the same marshal who served him the papers called at approximately 9am and without asking any questions, immediately confronted Eddie, saying something to the effect that "you know you were supposed to be here at 8am and you only have until 4pm to remove your stuff." Eddie says that he replied, "Sir, you do not want to upset me today!" The marshal then calmed down. Eddie swears that he did not even say "good morning," but just jumped right on him about being late.Unfortunately, my schedule did not allow me to go and help Eddie that day, but his friend John, from Durham, who took the original pictures of the marshal serving the removal papers did attempt to help out. He was immediately informed by the same agent that "this is federal property and you are not allowed on this property." Thus, there are no pictures of the packing and loading of the trucks on the farm.John did station himself at the entrance to the farm and traveled with Eddie and others to the storage facility where all the personal belongings are now stored.Just as Eddie does not understand, it is really difficult even for me to grasp the fact that the mobile house owned by Eddie and Dorothy which was not a part of any loan from the USDA, somehow became collateral for the delayed loan they received. Now to add insult to injury, it has been taken by the government. The Wises are indeed homeless. This is a strange action by a government that is supposed to be "for the people."Photos: Eddie Wise takes a break as friends help him unload and put his and Dorothy's personal belongings in storage. He was forced to secure two storage bends which added another $150.00 to his monthly bills since his eviction. While he may be tired, this is the first time that I have seen pictures of him with this much pain and agony on his face.
Any assistance you can provide is needed and appreciated! Consider paying for a week of their hotel room, a week's worth of groceries, or anything you can offer. To make a contribution go to https://www.gofundme.com/39m8623g.IMMEDIATE NEEDSEddie and Dorothy are living out of suitcases in a nearby hotel. In the short term they need assistance with these monthly expenses.Hotel $800Food $650Medications $300Fuel $200Car Payment $336Truck Payment $259Storage Building Rental $200Total $2,745 /monthPlus $400 per hour for attorneySAVE THE FARM STEPSEddie and Dorothy want the same opportunities given to their farming neighbors over the years. They are committing to keeping this farm in agriculture for the next generation. They simply need a fair chance to succeed. At present Eddie and Dorothy want the following.Eliminate all Farm Debt $575,000
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Black farmer Michael Stovall's farm conditions and the conditi...
Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2013 22:37:29 -0500Subject: Fwd: Videos of Black farmer Michael Stovall's farm conditions and the condit
Sent: 12/2/2013 11:51:14 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Videos of Black farmer Michael Stovall's farm conditions and the conditions of white farmers!
Please take a look at what USDA has done to this man as well as other Black farmers. Please SHARE with others! This behavior by USDA has to STOP!
Ferrell C. OdenThe Independent Black Farmers(205)482-5604
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
The most egregious form of hateful deceit and torturous behavior comes f...
Human Rights Violations are also happening to a Select few White,Black, Native, and Hispanic Farmers here in the United States of America.
The numbers are now small but the egregiousness from all of the same agencies are
real and affect the now elderly,disabled,children,the next generation as well as the Farmer
and his spouse.
We all are asking for real help to address the violations of our God Given, and Constitutional Rights, to pursue the right to be happy, the Right To Farm, and the
Right To Freedom(s) of speech, and Liberty.
We want(ed) to raise our family (ies) in safe rural environments the way God intended!
or we would not have inherited the right to do so!
Some speak about what our Fore Fathers said and done in a metaphoric way
not me the men who wrote the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights those are our Fore-Fathers..
I am asking you help these American Farmers get the word out and draw attention
that there is still a problem and we are tired of the USDA and the DOJ sweeping
this mess under the rug! We are tired of the we will do this for you but you have to keep it quiet from the same agencies where is the transparency and where is the people
who were turned in by the Farmers who are labeled Whistlblowers, none have done time
they even gave them the right to sign a paper before being investigated to save their
retirement, some of which came from bonuses for the Farms they foreclosed on!
otherwise known as The "Young Executive Report" read into the Congressional minutes June 1972! aka: the Plan to Liquidate the American Farmer! By young executives of the
same agencies and businesses they trusted and done business with!
by: Melissa Seaver
From: LawrLCL@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 22:05:56 -0400
Subject: Fwd: The most egregious form of hateful deceit and torturous behavior comes f...
The numbers are now small but the egregiousness from all of the same agencies are
real and affect the now elderly,disabled,children,the next generation as well as the Farmer
and his spouse.
We all are asking for real help to address the violations of our God Given, and Constitutional Rights, to pursue the right to be happy, the Right To Farm, and the
Right To Freedom(s) of speech, and Liberty.
We want(ed) to raise our family (ies) in safe rural environments the way God intended!
or we would not have inherited the right to do so!
Some speak about what our Fore Fathers said and done in a metaphoric way
not me the men who wrote the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights those are our Fore-Fathers..
I am asking you help these American Farmers get the word out and draw attention
that there is still a problem and we are tired of the USDA and the DOJ sweeping
this mess under the rug! We are tired of the we will do this for you but you have to keep it quiet from the same agencies where is the transparency and where is the people
who were turned in by the Farmers who are labeled Whistlblowers, none have done time
they even gave them the right to sign a paper before being investigated to save their
retirement, some of which came from bonuses for the Farms they foreclosed on!
otherwise known as The "Young Executive Report" read into the Congressional minutes June 1972! aka: the Plan to Liquidate the American Farmer! By young executives of the
same agencies and businesses they trusted and done business with!
by: Melissa Seaver
From: LawrLCL@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 22:05:56 -0400
Subject: Fwd: The most egregious form of hateful deceit and torturous behavior comes f...
we are not afraid to tell the real truth. yes, we will take risks that others would dare not. being politically correct, we leave to others. cnn atlanta is next.
lawewnce
From: floinc3@bellsouth.net
To: press@thenation.com, mcausey@federalNewsRadio.com, frose@federalNewsRadio.com, LawrLCL@aol.com, michaelstovallfarms@gmail.com
Sent: 8/18/2013 12:52:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: The most egregious form of hateful deceit and torturous behavior comes from the USDA/OASCR/DOJ/the Judicial system
Sir or Madame,My name is Ferrell Oden and I live in Alabama. I am writing to you this morning on behalf of the Independent Black Farmers remaining in the United States of America. I am writing to you for help. The independent black farmers are being discriminated against by USDA/OASCR Joe Leonard/DOJ/the judicial system. Therefore, the end results are total destruction of any farmer opposing the admitted discrimination. We have findings of discrimination signed by Dr. Joe Leonard appointed by the Obama administration. Dr. Leonard knows first hand how the USDA will destroy a person at will, he had to go to Rev. Jesse Jackson and NAACP Washington Bureau chief Mr. Hillary Shelton to get the USDA off of him for not doing his job! As a result of Dr. Leonard's ability to cry race discrimination to the two named earlier and remain in the job of asst. Sec. Of Civil Rights at USDA has allowed the USDA/DOJ/OASCR/Judicial System to become terrorists against us, the independent black farmers of America! America needs to know the truth about the USDA and the conspiracy to destroy a race of people systemically as admitted in the attached document. Please help us tell the truth! Everyday that passes, a black farmer is losing everything we have as a result of discrimination!We will meet you wherever, whenever, but please let it be soon! It is a lot of us!Sincerely,/s/ the Independent Black FarmersFerrell C. Oden(205)482-5604Michael W. Stovall(256)690-1752=
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Coalition rallies for black farmers,remeners civil rights leader
http://pbcommercial.com/sections/news/local/coalition-rallies-black-farmers-remembers-civil-rights-leader.html
\
7:54 pm - June 12, 2013 — Updated: 8:15 pm - June 12, 2013Coalition rallies for black farmers, remembers civil rights leader
Dale Charles, state chair of the Arkansas NAACP, speaks during the rally held on the steps of Pine Bluff City Hall as part of the remembrance of the death of Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers and to garner support for the plight of black farmers Wednesday. (Special to The Commercial/William Harvey)By Michael S. Lee
Of The Commercial StaffA coalition of groups gathered on the north steps of City Hall Wednesday to rally in support of the continuing search for justice by black farmers and black employees of the United States Department of Agriculture and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers.
The coalition brought together Arkansas Delta Agricultural Enterprise Cooperative Inc., the Independent Black Farmers and the USDA Coalition of Minority Employees.
Organizer Michael McCray said that Pine Bluff was chosen as the site of the rally in part because a major class-action discrimination lawsuit was brought against the USDA by local employee Beverly Burkett.
"Ms. Burkett worked for the USDA in Pine Bluff and Star City," ADAECI board member Irma Preston said. "On June 4, 2013, she was ordered to clear out her desk and to leave her office and not come back and was placed on administrative leave. This came after she filed a discrimination lawsuit against the USDA. This is an example of how the USDA retaliates against its employees. The struggle for justice is very much alive and well. Such practices shall not be tolerated."
Members of the Independent Black Farmers group came from as far away as Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Mississippi to get their message out.
Black farmers lawsuits
Black farmers filed suit against the USDA in the late 1990s alleging systemic discrimination based on race that in some cases led to the confiscation of farms by the federal government.
"There is a false perception out there that all of the black farmer cases against the federal government have been settled but that is not true," McCray said. "Many of them fell through the cracks and are still fighting to this day for justice."
When asked if allegations of widespread fraud within the Pigford I and Pigford II class action discrimination lawsuits filed on behalf of black farmers against the USDA were distracting from legitimate grievances, McCray said that this was true to some degree.
"There is no truth to anyone trying to discredit the legitimate complaints of many black farmers against the federal government," McCray said. "There is always some fraud in class-action suits like this and believe me, the crooks should go to jail. That also includes those within the government who have done wrong."
Muhammad Robbalaa is a farmer from southeast Oklahoma.
"When it comes to the discrimination that we are fighting against, some of us are still talking about it as a matter of civil rights but we should be calling it an issue of human rights," Robbalaa said. "Farmers were the first people that God praised. If not for the farmers, nobody would be fed. Black folks need land. Without land we are a stateless people and that makes us slaves. Farming is in our blood. Black farmers have not had any justice. We can't farm if the USDA doesn't treat us right. They have put us out of farming."
Leroy Smith is a farmer from Cary, Miss.
"I have been dealing with discrimination by the USDA since 1991," Smith said. "I am a Vietnam veteran and have served my country in the National Guard. I love this country like anyone else so why is it that I have been discriminated against simply because of the color of my skin? I never thought that I would still be having to deal with this type of thing."
Smith said that he attempted to file for a USDA farm loan in 1992 after starting a small farm the year before, and was denied after he was told the agency had no copy of his tax return.
"I tried to file again in 1993 and was denied again," Smith said. "In 1994 I filed a discrimination claim against the USDA."
Smith said that he had 1,740 acres of farm land in 1993 and ended up losing all of it due to the actions of the USDA.
"I filed for bankruptcy in 2005 and the judge discharged my debt," Smith said. "But three years later, the USDA sent me a collection letter on those debts. This was just harassment and discrimination."
Federal attention sought
Smith said that he wanted to see President Barack Obama show more leadership on the issue.
"The President says that the buck stops with him so why won't he straighten out this mess?" Smith asked. "We want the President to send someone from the White House to discuss these issues with us. Why doesn't he settle it?"
Michael Stovall from Town Creek, Ala., and Robert R. Binion from Clanton, Ala., are farmers who lost their land due to what they allege are discriminatory actions taken by the USDA.
"I was the fourth plaintiff in the first Pigford lawsuit," Binion said. "I used to have 1,000 peach trees and 30 acres of watermelon. We are independent because others have let us down. We need to come together as blacks and Muslims and any whites who agree with us to make sure that this gets settled once and for all."
Ferrell Oden of Birmingham, Ala., owned a catfish and beef cattle farm before USDA actions allegedly resulted in the loss of his business.
"I filed a discrimination suit after a two and a half year investigation," Oden said. "The settlement the USDA offered me was not a fair settlement but the judge told me and my attorney that the USDA did me a favor and that I should be thankful that I was discriminated against. When I refused the offer the USDA sent the Alabama Department of Human Services to close me down. It didn't work. The judge told me I was entitled to injunctive relief but denied it because they said I was going to enter into a financial windfall with the settling of the lawsuit. It amazed me that the judge thought this discrimination would end up being a good thing for me."
Evers remembered
Dale Charles, state chair of the Arkansas National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, spoke about the life and assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers in Jackson, Miss., on June 12, 1963.
"Medgar Evers served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, yet he found upon returning home that his skin color was still a deterrent," Charles said. "He was working to achieve voter registration for African Americans at the time he was assassinated. Today we are here to pay homage to Medgar Evers as well as to the black farmers who are long overdue to get their justice in a court of law in America. We know that fight with the USDA is not easy and that is long standing. We must continue to fight and have the fortitude and courage that Medgar Evers had attempting to bring equality to all Americans."
Jaleel Muhammad of the Nation of Islam spoke of his group's support for the goals of the black farmers.Rules for posting comments
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Thanks!Linda Epstein
Sunday, March 17, 2013
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
USDA Coalition
For Immediate Release: 3/15/2013Contact: Michael McCray (703) 743-0565
O F M I N O R I T Y E M P L O Y E E S
USDA Coalition of Minority Employees and Alabama NAACP "Stand for Justice" with Independent Black Farmers against USDA Discrimination and Corruption
WHO:
Press ConferenceTuesday, March 19th 2013 at 10:00am Kelly Ingram Park, Birmingham, AL 35203Out-of-State Reporters can join by phone at 866-508-2264 Passcode: 2127510
Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (invited); Lawrence Lucas, President of the USDA Coalition of Minority Employees; Bernard Simelton, President of the NAACP Alabama State Conference; Michael Stovall, Independent Black Farmer; Kevin Myles, NAACP Southeast Regional Director; Michael McCray, General Counsel for Federally Employed Women/Legal Education Fund (FEW/LEW); and othersWHAT:The USDA Coalition of Minority Employees has received numerous complaints from Black Farmers and Minority Employees that they continue to be denied equal treatment by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). There are over 3,000 unprocessed Program and Employment Complainants at USDA since 1990s. Black farmers are still being denied equal access to farm loans. While this discrimination is well documented, the USDA has not settled thousands of claims and has breached signed settlement agreements,Many believe that all Black farmer claims were settled with the Pigford Class lawsuits. Thisis untrue. There are a group of Black farmers in Alabama and other states who were discriminated against when they applied for loans from the USDA. These farmers filed separate claims from the Pigford group and some have received favorable judgments by USDA. However, the USDA has reneged on the agreement they negotiated and, 10-‐15 years later, there is still no settlement with USDA.The USDA Coalition of Minority Employees will join with the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP and their Southern Regional Office, Independent Black Farmers, Federally Employed Women/Legal Education Fund (FEW/LEF); and others to provide proof to the media and the public, that USDA has not lived up to its promise.WHERE & WHEN:March 19, 2013 at 10:00 AMKelly Ingram Park Birmingham, AL 35203
Thursday, March 7, 2013
FW: Sequoia NF Workplace
From: LawrLCL@aol.com
Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2013 18:56:57 -0500
Subject: Fwd: Sequoia NF Workplace
To:
From: lesa@snowcrest.net
To: Secretary.Vilsack@osec.usda.gov, lawrlcl@aol.com, Rncott1@aol.com, Joe.Leonard@osec.usda.gov, Krysta.Harden@osec.usda.gov, Kathleen.Merrigan@osec.usda.gov, Harris.Sherman@osec.usda.gov, acoleman@fs.fed.us, rmoore@fs.fed.us, valerie_jarrett@who.eop.gov, michael_a._blake@who.eop.gov, Michael_Strautmanis@who.eop.gov, kevin_s._lewis@who.eop.gov, jwagoner@fs.fed.us, robert@donnelly-house.net
Sent: 3/7/2013 5:11:17 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Sequoia NF WorkplaceMr. Secretary -
On February 28, 2013 I sent you an email expressing my concern about drugs, guns and violence in the workplace here in Region 5, California, particularly on the Sequoia National Forest. As usual, I did not receive any response. From speaking with employees it is apparent no action has been taken either. Today, I received a call from Battalion Chief John Carothers. You'll remember emails I've sent about this highly qualified Native American firefighter who has EEO complaints based on race discrimination. John advised me that Angie Sanchez-Hand has stated more than once in the past two weeks that she is considering committing suicide over issues occurring at the work site. John did the correct thing in contacting Ranger Jeff Ulrich yesterday. Jeff admitted to John that Sequoia NF Union VP Jonel Wagoner had previously told him that Angie discussed suicide but he "doesn't put much value on what Jonel says." In essence, he ignored the situation. He then suggested to John that he call Angie's husband. Is this Ranger an idiot? John is a GS-9 coworker and not even in Angie's chain of command. John and the other employees who heard Angie say she was going to kill herself are in a traumatized state, especially considering that management has refused to act. Based on Jeff's attitude and behavior John called CR Officer Paulla Stephens who said she would call Forest Supervisor Kevin Elliott. Jonel has asked for crisis intervention and has not received a response. This is not surprising because both Jeff Ulrich and Kevin Elliott refuse to acknowledge Jonel's concerns when she tries to address them. Jonel called the Regional Office and was told to ask for a conference call with Elliott, CR and ER to address the issues as they related to attendance and productivity. I am aghast. Apparently, no one knows how to do a crisis intervention in this region. Elliott and staff have also ignored Jonel's contacts regarding the need for Law Enforcement and the gun situation that recently occurred. Kevin Elliott and his staff have actually laughed at Jonel when she's brought serious concerns to them. Additionally, while this is happening, the Division Chief who is supposed to be supervising Angie, John and the unit [Bart Kicklighter] is gone again and it's my understanding that he is going to be gone on training and assignments until May. The employees gave no leadership at all. Bart is not qualified to supervise this fire group and is gone most of the time - one of the reasons this work group is in such a mess. FMO/Chief 1 Brent Skaggs is aware of the issues that lead to this organizational "unrest" and stress and has done nothing about it. But then Brent told me last year that he purposely does not want to know what's going on in his fire organization so he has "deniability." (I have witnesses to that statement.) I will say this again, SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE on this forest due to Kevin Elliott and his staff's inability to manage properly (or at all?). John said he is witnessing that Kevin and his staff refuse to take decisive action, are neglecting to deal with numerous issues like this and it has resulted in employees (he named Angie Sanchez-Hand, Ernie Villa, Ron Booker, James Robertson as a few examples, and there are many more) being so stressed and demoralized that they turn on each other and more needless incidents occur. (And of course more EEO complaints occur.) It is a pressure cooker on that forest. It is a ship without a rudder. Until and unless a Forest Supervisor and a Forest Fire Management Officer are placed on that forest that can actually make some changes and stop this dysfunction that pressure cooker is going to blow. The impacts may be devastating. My only question - does anyone care about this enough to take decisive action? Sigh...maybe someone will care about how bad it would look if an Hispanic/Native American female firefighter who has been harassed, endured workplace violence, and been discriminated against (we discussed these issues with Robin Heard as far back as 2011) kills herself over workplace issues during Women's History Month and the day that President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Act. One can only hope that you will find some reason to care about what is happening and take action before one or more people die on the Sequoia National Forest.
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Lesa L. Donnelly
We have lost our sense of shame. — Colin Powell
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