NBFA Statement On House Passage of Black Farmers Settlement Funds

Black Farmers Will Lobby Senate for Quick Action, Seek Meeting with President Obama

WASHINGTON, DC -- John W. Boyd, Jr., founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association, released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives approved funding - as part of a larger - for the historic settlement to resolve decades of discrimination against black farmers by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"With today's action, we are one important step closer to bringing justice for the tens of thousands of black farmers in this country whose lives and livelihoods were impacted by discrimination from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"It is important to recognize speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and her colleagues in the House leadership for their work. It is also important to recognize the tireless and ongoing efforts of the Congressional Black Caucus.

"We look forward to working with the Senate, following the holiday recess, to ensure passage of these funds as soon as possible. Every delay means the likelihood of more farm foreclosures and more black farmers who will not live to see the day they receive the payments they have waited for and deserve.

"I would like to extend my request for a meeting with President Obama so I can ask for his personal help in working with the Senate to resolve this matter and the other issues facing the Black farmers."