Statement by John W. Boyd Jr.

“We are hopeful that, with this second public hearing, we can move one step closer to resolving the cases of discrimination by the U.S. Department of Agriculture against an estimated 70,000 Black farmers,” said John Boyd. “This is an uphill fight, but we are pleased to have greater Congressional assistance as we move forward. I look forward to the next public field hearing which will allow farmers to have even more direct communication with our Congressional leaders.”

“As our recent report documented, USDA and the Department of Justice have participated in a coordinated effort to obstruct justice and ensure endless delays in resolving these cases,” said Boyd. “W are hopeful that today’s hearing will help apply the pressure that only Congress or the President can provide to reverse these actions.”

NOTE: John Boyd will be testifying at the Committee’s next public hearing, which is scheduled to be held outside of Washington, DC, on January 31, 2005 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Contact:
John W. Boyd, Jr., 804-691-8528
Adam J. Segal, 202-265-3000