FSC/LAF Announces Providing Technical Assistance during Heirs Property Relending Press Conference

On Thursday just after 1:00 PM CST at the Hyatt in Birmingham, we kicked off our annual celebration with a press conference announcing our historic partnership with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to provide national outreach and technical assistance for potential borrowers and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) for the Heirs Property Relending Program (HPRP).

The HPRP provides funds to eligible entities to relend with the purpose of assisting heirs in resolving ownership and succession issues on farmland with multiple owners. 

Dr. Jewell Bronaugh (pictured), Deputy Secretary of United States Department of Agriculture, spoke along with the Federation's Executive Director, Cornelius Blanding and Dania Davy, FSC/LAF Director of Land Retention & Advocacy.

Dr. Bronaugh highlighted the significant efforts of USDA/FSA to support successful implementation of the Heirs Property Relending Program including a significant investment in applicant readiness.

ROUNDTABLES

Immediately following the press conference, we held our Annual Heirs Property Roundtable to strategically envision the scope of the outreach needed to ensure the needs of heirs property landowners are addressed in the rollout of the Heirs Property Relending Program (HPRP).

We also held our Annual Coop Roundtable to discuss the needs of limited resource coops in the South and the role of FSC/LAF and partners in addressing those needs.

FSC/LAF BLACK FARMER ART EXHIBIT

The Federation was born out of the Civil Rights Movement. FSC/LAF understands that celebrating our history directly benefits our future growth. Our ground-breaking work as the oldest and largest Black cooperative association of Black farmers, landowner, and cooperatives is being cataloged and archived to help the next generation understand, grow and build on our prior achievements. Through impactful partnerships with like-minded organizations, we continue to capture the legacy of the cooperative movement.

We showcased 35 photographs from our archives dating back to circa 1974-2003  of black farmers, landowners, and cooperative members of the Federation. It is our hope that you gain a deep understanding and appreciation for African-American farming as well as the importance of food justice, land justice, and equity in the American food system. Our archival collection will continue to grow and expand into key exhibits of history and life in Rural Southern regions in America! 

John Zippert, former FSC/LAF staff & Memorial Committee Member stands in front of exhibit photo from the late 1960s

Photograph of Estelle Witherspoon.

21st Estelle Witherspoon Awards

The evening culminated with honoring Dr. Bernard Lafayette as our 21st annual Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

The awards banquet is primarily a fundraising event. 

Dr. Bernard accepts the Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award. Pictured with FSC/LAF Executive Director and Board.

Members, guests, and sponsors enjoying the banquet.

Staff enjoying the evening.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS