Hundreds of farmers gathered in Downtown Memphis today hoping to get justice from discrimination they say happened to them years ago. Last month, a federal judge ordered Black farmers who were previously denied the chance to join a class action lawsuit against the Dept. of Agriculture be allowed to add their names. Some of us have to drive a ways to find it but none of us could survive without the farmland that keeps us fed. That’s why the government subsidizes the family farm. However, a judge ruled the Dept. of Agriculture discriminated against Black farmers. “You would apply for a loan and you were turned down. You were turned down by the department down there. They would say that there is no money. Come back next week. They wouldn't even let you fill out an application and things of that sort,” said John Hardy, Panola County, MS. This lawsuit involves discrimination between in 1981 and 1996,” said Attorney, Greg Francis, Morgan and Morgan Law Firm. Attorney Greg Francis says Black farmers won their class action lawsuit and last month a federal judge waived the statute of limitations. Hundreds came today to add their names. http://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-black-farmers-look-to-claims-for-justice-20111130,0,4319629.story
