Greene County Democrat

Category: Community

  • Eutaw Chamber of Commerce holds Political Forum for Municipal Candidates

    Special to the Democrat by John Zippert, Co-Publisher

    The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce held a Political Forum on Saturday, August 2nd, on the lawn of the old Greene County Courthouse in Eutaw. The forum was for candidates running in the August 26, 2026’s Eutaw Municipal elections. Over a hundred people turned out to hear the candidate’s views and answers to questions posed by the voters.
    All three candidates for Mayor of Eutaw, incumbent Latasha Johnson, Corey Cockrell and Tyrone Atkins were present. Most of the candidates for Eutaw City Council in Districts 1 to 5 were also in attendance to give their platform and views.
    Mayor Latasha Johnson, in her opening comments said, “ I love the City of Eutaw, and I have lived here all of my life. I have worked as Mayor for unity and progress. When I came into office in November 2022, the city’s finances were in bad shape. With help from a financial advisor, we developed a budget and began regular annual audits. We borrowed $500,000 for needed vehicles and equipment. That loan will be paid in full in September and we can borrow funds again for equipment and road maintenance which are needed.”
    Johnson, continued, “ We have received $9 million in state and Federal grants, with no matching requirements, based on our audits and financial system, to upgrade our water and sewer system, along with Boligee. We also received grant funding from the state to re-pave Highway 14 coming into the city and for the TAP- Streetscape project for sidewalks around the old Courthouse Square.”
    Corey Cockrell, who is currently a County Commissioner for District 3, said “I am the best candidate for Mayor based on my work on the County Commission and in community.” Cockrell, who is also a full time teacher and head football coach at Eutaw High School, passed out a sheet showing $19 million in road work projects the Commission got funded during his tenure on the County Commission.
    Cockrell said he was hardworking holding community events and cock-outs in the community to listen to the voters. He said, ‘I will promote jobs and housing for people in the city; and I will correct the financial problems of the city by getting more grants and revenues.”
    Tyrone Atkins, the third candidate for Mayor said, “ Not much has changed in Eutaw since 1995. Too many empty storefronts downtown. The city officials are not dealing with the everyday problems of people in finding jobs, shopping at one grocery store with high prices and lacking recreation for the children and young people. That is why young people are leaving Eutaw, as soon as they graduate high school and not coming back.”
    There was also a spirited debate among the candidates for Eutaw City Council positions. Tracey Hunter, incumbent candidate in District 3, is unopposed. She spoke briefly about her intentions to continue serving and developing more programs for youth in the community.
    Two candidates for District 1, Ke’Undra Cox and incumbent Valarie Watkins, both spoke and answered questions. Watkins said, “I am not going to make a lot of promises. I am running on my platform of honesty, integrity and transparency. I have helped to deal with an abandoned house on Roebuck and other places around the city. I have pushed for speed bumps for the safety of children in the neighborhoods. I want to cure some of the financial problems of the city. We have too many people paying their water bills late. We have too many city workers for our budget.”
    Cox said, “ I have returned to Eutaw after six years in the Air Force learning leadership skills. I am one of the youngest people running and I want to bring the perspective of young people to the Council. We have the potential to do better, and I want to help the city to serve young people so they will not move away but stay here to live and work.”
    In District 2, incumbent Jonathan Woodruff Jr. and Maurice Walton were present, Charles Naylor, Jr. was in the hospital and could not attend. Woodruff said, “ I will continue to work to improve infrastructure. I will work with a servant spirit and represent my district as well as the entire city. I will work to keep us within our financial commitments in the budget. Walton said, “I will work as a team member with the other council members and the mayor to make Eutaw a better city for all of its citizens. I will work to expand recreational opportunities for youth, beatification and improvement of our city, and recruiting new businesses and jobs.”
    In District 4, incumbent Larrie Coleman was not present because of a previous commitment. Sarah D. Brewer stated, “ I want to improve the infrastructure – too many potholes and exposed culverts; we need to fix the water system – water pressure is low, and the quality of water is often undrinkable. We need to be transparent with the finances, have regular audits and cooperation among the mayor and the council members.” In answer to questions on her vision for the city, she said, “ Build it and they will come, referring to infrastructure development.”
    Lorenzo French, another candidate for District 4, said” I will work to restore trust and accountability in the city council. I will work for more civic engagement by all people. Having worked at the Robert H. Young Community Center, I know the needs for more activities for our youth. You must love the place you live in – and I love Eutaw.”
    In District 5, the incumbent Suzette Powell, was absent due to a prior family commitment with her grandchildren. Carrie Logan, the only White candidate for City Council, and other candidate for District 5, said, “I have lived in Eutaw for the past thirty years and have volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce, my church, the Garden Club and others to improve the image of the city. We must improve our infrastructure and work with other governmental agencies, such as the County Commission and Industrial Development Authority to make things better for all.”
    The election is less than three weeks away, on Tuesday, August 26,2025. If a runoff is needed, in races where one candidate does not get a majority (50% or more) of the vote, it will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd. The last day to register to vote for the August 26th election is August 19, 2025. Absentee voting is going on now until August 19, 2025, to get a mail ballot or walk-in to vote. For more information, contact the city election managers, at City Hall, phone 205-372-4212.

  • Jonathan Woodruff , Jr., announces candidacy for City Council District 2

    Dear Neighbors,
    My name is Jonathan Woodruff Jr., and I am honored to announce my candidacy for Councilman of District 2 in the City of Eutaw. I am running because I believe our city deserves a dedicated leader who prioritizes public safety, economic growth, and a healthy, sustainable environment.
    As a proud native of Eutaw, I understand the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. I am committed to working collaboratively with the mayor and fellow council members to drive meaningful progress in our community. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics, along with a minor in Business Administration, which I will use to support sound financial planning and responsible resource management that fosters long-term stability and growth for our city.
    My goal is to continue building on the positive momentum in Eutaw, ensuring that every resident feels heard, supported, and proud to call this city home. I respectfully ask for your support as we work together to move Eutaw forward.

    Sincerely,
    Jonathan Woodruff Jr.
    Candidate for Councilman, District 2 – City of Eutaw

  • Newswire : Trump fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on weak July job report

     Erika McEntarfer

    By Blackmansstreet Today

    President Donald Trump on Friday fired Erika L. McEntarfer, the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on a weak July jobs report, after alleging that she manipulated the numbers to make him look bad.
    A stunning government report showed that hiring had slowed down significantly over the past three months.
    Taking to Truth Social, Trump took the report personally and attacked McEntarfer.
    Trump claimed that the country’s jobs reports “are being produced by a Biden appointee” and ordered his administration to terminate her.
    “We need accurate Jobs Numbers,” Trump wrote. “She will be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified. Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate; they can’t be manipulated for political purposes.”
    He intensified his attack in a later post, writing: “In my opinion, today’s Jobs Numbers were RIGGED to make the Republicans, and ME, look bad.”
    An administration official told NBC News shortly after the post that McEntarfer had indeed been fired.
    The deputy director of BLS, Bill Wiatrowski, who took up the role during the Obama administration, will become the acting director “during the search for a replacement,” Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said.
    McEntarfer, whose research focuses on job loss, retirement, worker mobility, and wage rigidity, had previously worked at the Census Bureau’s Center for Economic Studies, the Treasury Department’s Office of Tax Policy, and the White House Council of Economic Advisers in a nonpolitical role.
    She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Bard College and a doctoral degree in economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.





  • Newswire : The Washington Post sees major exodus of Black Journalists

    By Lauren Burke, NNPA Congressional Correspondent

    The Washington Post, which has long defined itself as the “paper of record” alongside its competitive rivals, The New York Times, is now witnessing a major exodus of Black journalists. Though the U.S. is becoming more diverse, the Post isn’t.
    The Post’s headquarters sits in the middle of the District of Columbia, which has a 43 percent Black population and a historic Black university less than two miles away. Yet The Post has never had a history of staff diversity. The recent departure of Black journalists is seemingly related to an anti-diversity backlash led by President Trump after the 2020 George Floyd “racial reckoning”. Trump’s executive order, signed less than 48 hours into his second term on January 21, declared policy war on the diversity and inclusivity of historically marginalized groups.
    Trump’s George Floyd backlash, alongside separate claims of defamation by the president, has led to his targeting of law firms, media organizations, and academic institutions. Several media companies, such as ABC and CBS, have capitulated to Trump. The Washington Post appears to be doing so in advance, as Post owner Jeff Bezos has business before the federal government related to his ownership of Blue Origin and Amazon.
    The current moment now witnesses an exodus of Black journalists not seen in the paper’s history. In recent years, journalists Vanessa Williams, Wesley Lowery, and Kevin Merida have departed The Washington Post. But the current departures include journalists with decades of experience and several Pulitzer Prizes. The current exodus is noteworthy even by the Post’s low standards for diversity. The Post went for close to a year without a single Black member of the Editorial Board. Currently, the only Black member, the obscure Keith Richburg, is in Hong Kong. The National Association of Black Journalists noted the issue in a July 26 press release.
    NABJ stated that they are “closely monitoring the recent wave of departures and voluntary exits from several legacy media institutions, including The Washington Post. This ongoing disruption has far-reaching implications for newsroom diversity, representation, and the future of Black journalists.” The list of departures includes two Pulitzer Prize winners: Jonathan Capehart, an opinion columnist who has been with the Post since 2007 and is taking a buyout offer. Capehart also recounted a racial episode in 2024 in his book related to his former colleague Karen Tumulty, who was deputy opinions editor at the time. Tumulty has now been promoted to lead the Post’s politics coverage.
    Post editorial board member Karen Attiah announced on social media on July 22 that she was “the last Black staff columnist left in the Washington Post’s opinion section.” On July 21, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toluse Olorunnipa, who was the White House Bureau Chief for The Washington Post, announced he was now a writer at The Atlantic. Olorunnipa won the Pulitzer for the book “His Name is George Floyd” in 2023 for General Nonfiction. Several Post journalists have fled to The Atlantic. Other departures include Eugene Robinson and Krissah Thompson, who was the only Black managing editor on the masthead.
    “After 24 years at The Washington Post, I’m turning the page on this chapter of my career. I’m grateful for the wonderful experience that I’ve had and the contributions that I’ve made over 24 years as a reporter, editor, and news leader,” Thompson wrote on her Instagram page on July 23. Trump’s executive order, which called for the termination of all federal government programs relating to “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,” appears to have been obeyed even by private sector actors under no obligation to comply.
    Post CEO Will Lewis has remained in charge despite a 2024 controversy surrounding his connections to a scandal related to the illegal phone-hacking of members of the British royal family. Many recent hires at the Post have been in some way connected to the more conservative The Wall Street Journal. The latest round of buyouts ends on July 31, so many more departure announcements are expected this week.

  • Newswire : Jobless rates for Black men and women jump under Trump’s cuts and tariffs

    By Blackmansstreet Today

    Payroll employment rose a disappointing 73,000 in July, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.2, but the Black jobless rate for both men and women jumped as the Federal government continued to cut jobs, like at the Department of Education.

    The U.S. job market slowed sharply in July and was substantially weaker than first estimated for prior months, suggesting President Donald Trump’s trade policy may be stifling hiring.

    The U.S. economy added just 73,000 jobs last month, and the monthly totals for May and June were revised downward by a combined 258,000 jobs.

    The prior two months’ revisions were “stunning,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at KPMG, in an interview with CNN. May’s estimated 144,000 net gain was revised down by 125,000 to 19,000; and June’s preliminary tally of 147,000 was slashed by 133,000 to 14,000, according to data released Friday from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    The jobless rate for Black men was 7.0 percent in July 2025 compared with 6.7 percent in July 2024. The employment rate of Black women was 6.3 percent in 2025 compared to 6.2 percent in 2024.

    Black workers continued to face a disproportionately high unemployment rate at 7.2 percent—nearly double the rate for White workers, which remained at 3.7 percent. Hispanic workers saw a jobless rate of 5.0 percent, while Asian workers had a jobless rate of 3.9 percent.

    Historically, Black women have been overrepresented in the federal workforce, in positions that have offered stability, security, and more pay equity. Black women constitute about 12 percent of federal workers, compared with 7 percent of civilian workers.

    They are also more likely to be in the departments that have been most targeted for cuts by DOGE (The Department of Government Efficiency), including the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development.

    For example, take a look at the Department of Education, which Trump wants to destroy. U.S. Department of Education has 4,133 employees, according to the administration’s numbers.

    Nearly 600 workers have since chosen to leave, by resigning or retiring. And this week, more than 1,300 workers were told they’re losing their jobs in a Tuesday purge.

    That leaves 2,183 remaining department staff, according to the administration. Which means the Education Department will soon be roughly half the size it was just a few weeks ago.

    Black women made up 28 percent of the education department. They also made up many of the diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, positions that Trump set out to eliminate during his first day in office.

  • Watkins seeks re-election, Eutaw City Council District 1


    Greetings,

    Over the past five years, I would like to thank you for your trust and partnership. It has been an honor to serve as your Eutaw City Councilwoman. During this time, I have gained invaluable insight into the needs, challenges, and strengths of our community. I have stood firmly on principles that matter- integrity, accountability, and doing what is right for our families and our future.

    Together, we’ve worked hard to create a city we can all be proud of. From supporting local initiatives and community projects to ensuring that every voice is heard, my commitment has always been to serve with dignity and fairness.

    As we look toward the future, I humbly ask for your continued support and your vote in the upcoming election. With your trust, I will keep fighting for the issues that matter most- building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant community for all of us.

    Thank you for believing in me, and thank you for believing in our city.

    Valerie Watkins City Councilwoman District 1

     

  • Tyrone Atkins announces candidacy for Mayor of Eutaw

    Tyrone Atkins is officially announcing his candidacy for Mayor of Eutaw, Alabama, with a clear mission: to bring jobs, improve education, and fight for better access to health care for every resident.

    “We’re a strong community, but too many families in Eutaw are struggling,” Atkins said. There are not enough jobs, our schools need more attention and support, and access to quality health care shouldn’t be a privilege – it should be a right.

    As Mayor, Tyrone Atkins will work to:

    #1 Attract new businesses and industries to create local jobs.

    #2 Strengthen support for our schools, teachers, students and parents.

    #3 Partner with local clinics and providers to expand affordable health care access.

    #4 Advocate for investments in youth programs and workforce training to empower the new generation.

    My campaign is about real change-not empty promises. Tyrone Atkins, the founder of Fair Use Movement, is a leader who will fight every day for the people of Eutaw, every family, every neighborhood, to ensuring that no one is left behind.

    Election Day is coming. Let’s come together to build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Eutaw for everyone.

    For more information, to get involved, or to support the campaign, call (205) 609-7491 or visit Tyrone Atkins on Facebook.

  • Greene County School Board approves partnership with Sumter County Schools for shared Career and Technical Education Project

    The Greene County Board of Education met in a called session, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, with all board members present. The purpose of the meeting was to consider a partnership with Sumter County School System in support of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facility Grant aimed at developing a regional CTE facility to serve high school students from both Sumter and Greene County.
    The project will create the Sumter-Greene Career Collaborative Center (SGCCC) as a regional CTE facility serving high school students from both Sumter and Greene County schools. Funding for the project is supported by the enactment of Alabama Senate Bill 253 (Alabama Workforce Pathways Act, different pathways for high school diplomas based on future career plans.)
    Prior to the called meeting, the Greene County Board held a work session to discuss the CTE Proposal with Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones, Attorney Hank Sanders, Sumter County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Marcy Burroughs, and State Department of Education Consultant, Mr. John Heard. At the close of the work session and following an executive session, the Greene County Board of Education, on the recommendation of Superintendent Jones, approved the proposed joint project, in open session, with four positive votes. Board Member Veronica Richardson opposed the measure.
    The request for State funding for the project will be submitted by the Sumter County School System. The dateline for submission is July 31, 2025. SB253 requires a collaboration between two school systems. Sumter County School System will be the Lead LEA and Greene County Schools will be the Partner LEA. If Sumter County is awarded the CTE grant, there will be no cost for Greene County’s participation.

    If funded, the SGCCC Project will support the construction of a modern CTE training facility on the grounds of Sumter Central High School near York, AL. The Sumter School System will have approximately 18 months to construct the facility, and 30 months to begin operations.
    The initial CTE program labs will include Welding Technology; HVAC/Electrical systems; Health Science; Automotive and Diesel Technology; Information Technology; Advanced Manufacturing. Greene County School System can enroll students in CTE career courses not available at its local Career Center.
    The project will integrate industry-standard equipment to support credentialing opportunities for scholars; provide collaboration with regional postsecondary institutions; and create partnerships with West Alabama Works. The SGCCC will serve as a shared regional resource, reducing duplication and maximizing the impact of state and local investment.
    The board also approved the following personnel items recommended by Dr. Jones.
    * Employment: Marva Smith – Long term sub (ACCESS) – GCHS; Anglee Coley – Gifted Specialist/Intervention teacher; Brandi Eubanks – Elementary teacher – RBMS.
    * Termination: Wanda Blakely, Special Education Director, effective July 29, 2025.

  • Eutaw City Council receives positive financial news; approves funding for August 26 municipal election, begins absentee voting

    Special to the Democrat by John Zippert,
    Co-Publisher

    This is a report of the two regular Eutaw City Council meetings on July 8 and 22, 2025. Mayor Latasha Johnson and all five City Council members were present except Valarie Watkins at the July 8 meeting and Tracey Hunter at the July 22 meeting.
    At the July 22nd meeting the Eutaw City Council received positive financial news from Ralph Liverman, Financial Advisor, who submitted a financial report for the nine months of the fiscal year from October 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
    Liverman pointed out that the City of Eutaw had repaid all but two payments on a $500,000 loan from Merchants and Farmers Bank taken out in 2021, with a 3.5% interest rate, to purchase new equipment to maintain streets in the city. The remaining payments of $22,338.16 will be made by September 15, 2025.
    This fulfills a promise made by Mayor Johnson for responsible handling of the financial affairs of the city, by paying off this needed loan during her first term in office. Liverman indicates that this will free up $134,028 of funds for use in the General Fund, for the new annual budget for 2025-26. This additional funding may help the city get other needed equipment and staff to repair potholes, culverts and other street problems.
    A second piece of good news was a report from Liverman of General Fund Revenue and Expenses for 9 months of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Liverman states in his report, “ As of June 30, 2025, you should have collected at least 75% of the budgeted revenues for the fiscal year, and your expenditures should not exceed 75% of the budgeted amount.”
    “As of June 30, 2025, you have collected 97% of budgeted revenues. It is obvious that you will exceed the budgeted projection for revenues.

    All of your major revenue sources such as property tax, franchise tax, sales tax, and privilege licenses have or should exceed 100% of budgeted amounts.”
    “General Fund Expenditures are running at 78% of budgeted amounts, but most of your single payment items (such as insurance) have been paid. Unless some major event happens, you should end your fiscal year with a surplus in the General Fund.”
    These reports were in the council member’s meeting packets but were not analyzed and discussed by the members in the public meeting. This was strange to me, as a reporter who regularly covers Council meetings, since the Council professes great concern about its powers to oversee and approve city finances. In fact, the Council has used limited finances to justify rejecting the Mayor Johnson’s requests to buy a new tractor and mowers, increase staff and staff pay, even rejecting some trips for city staff to travel to training, as part of their supervision of finances.
    There was another example of this strict financial supervision at the start of the July 22nd meeting. The Mayor asked to add payment to two contractors for grass cutting at the Mesopotamia and Clarence Thomas cemeteries. Councilman Woodruff objected to considering payment of this item until he and the Council received more information justifying this expense. Mayor Johnson said the grass in the cemeteries needed cutting and this expense was in the budget, so as part of her day-to-day authority she had the grass cut. Woodruff’s motion initially prevailed to block payment for the cemeteries to two separate contractors. However, at the end of the meeting, the Council approved payment of bills including grass cutting at the cemeteries.
    At the July 22nd meeting, the Council approved a resolution (No. 2025-8) providing $25,000 for expenses in holding the municipal election on August 26, 2025. It also approved several changes in election poll officials.

    Absentee Voting in Municipal Election is Underway

    Joe Powell, Assistant Election Manager announced that Absentee Voting is underway. Voters can come to the City Hall on Monday to Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Thursday and Friday from 8:00 AM to Noon, to request an absentee ballot for someone who is homebound. Voters can also walk-in and request an absentee ballot, if they are not going to be in town on election day to vote, and vote right then. August 19 is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot to vote by mail. August 21 is the last day to walk-in and vote absentee.
    Powell said, “We are following instructions from the Alabama Secretary of State on the rules for absentee balloting. You can go to this website to see the rules and apply for an absentee ballot, without coming to City Hall to vote by mail in this election, if that is your preference. Be aware that you will need a copy of your driver’s license, or acceptable state ID, to get an absentee ballot and vote in this election.”
    In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:
    • Approved Resolution No. 2025-9 for Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday for February 20-22, 2026.
    • Approved travel for City Attorney Zane Willingham and City Judge Joshua Swords to attend annual Municipal Law Conferences.
    • Approved payment of claim of $89 for Christopher Branch.
    • Approved recommendation from Zane Willingham on Planning Commission rezoning.
    • Approved payment of $1,976 for annual dues to the Alabama League of Municipalities
    • Approved payment of $952 for annual dues to National League of Cities.
    • Approved payment of bills, including grass cutting in the cemeteries.

    Mayor Johnson announced that a public hearing would be held in August concerning sidewalks and a traffic roundabout at the intersection of Highway14 and Highway 43. The date will be announced later.
    Chief of Police Johnson announced Police Night Out will be held September 9 at 5:00 PM at Carver School to improve community relations.
    Danny Cooper announced that the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce was sponsoring a political forum for all candidates in the municipal election on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Courthouse Square starting at 10:00 AM.

  • Newswire : Scott Bill targets USDA Discrimination as Trump ends DEI protections

    By Stacy M. Brown
    Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

    As the Trump administration moves to eliminate key diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) protections at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Democratic Congressman David Scott of Georgia has introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding the future of Black farmers and reversing decades of systemic discrimination.

    On July 17, Scott, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced the Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act of 2025. Illinois Democratic Congressman Jonathan Jackson, also a member of the committee, co-sponsored the bill, which aims to expand market access and enforce civil rights protections for farmers who have historically been denied equitable treatment by the federal government.

    “Generations of Black farmers have lost their land and livelihoods because of systemic discrimination and the federal government’s failures to meaningfully intervene,” Scott said. “Whereas they comprised over 14% of all U.S. farmers less than a century ago, they now represent less than 2%.”

    In 1920, there were nearly one million Black farmers in the United States. But today, fewer than 50,000 remain, Jackson said. “That’s a staggering 95% decline. This did not happen by accident — it is the result of broken policies, discriminatory lending practices, and a lack of market access,” he stated. The bill establishes a competitive grant program to support new and expanding food hubs that enable Black and minority farmers to access wholesale, retail, and institutional markets.
    It offers a 25% tax credit for agricultural products purchased from those food hubs. It also requires the USDA to prioritize procurement from socially disadvantaged farmers and establishes an independent Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson to assist farmers through civil rights claims. Additionally, the measure reforms USDA policies to provide monetary relief to farmers denied access to loan and payment programs due to discrimination.
    The bill’s release follows a sweeping policy reversal by the USDA, which recently announced it will no longer use the term “socially disadvantaged” to define farmers affected by racial, ethnic, or gender-based discrimination. That designation, first adopted in the 1990 Farm Bill, had been a critical foundation for programs that served Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian producers. According to Capital B News, the agency’s decision came in response to executive orders issued earlier this year by President Donald Trump that eliminated any mandates or programs supporting DEI. The USDA stated that it has “sufficiently” addressed its history of discrimination and that moving forward, it will adhere to a race- and gender-neutral framework.

    Lloyd Wright, a Virginia farmer and former USDA official, stated that the change will disproportionately affect Black farmers. “They’re eliminating socially disadvantaged and anything else dealing with DEI,” Wright told Capital B. “[The government] is going to take back the money — the little bit we were getting—and some of the outreach money will be clawed back.”
    Rep. Shontel Brown of Ohio, a vice-ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee, added that the USDA’s decision was part of “Trump’s resegregation agenda.” She called the rule “a deliberate and disgraceful step backward,” and said the “socially disadvantaged” label was long overdue recognition of the systemic denial of land, credit, and opportunity. Rep. Shomari Figures of Alabama said the administration should be working to ensure Black farmers are never subjected to such discrimination again, not reversing policies that acknowledged that history.
    Tiffany Bellfield El-Amin, founder of the Kentucky Black Farmers Association, noted that while the label itself may have had flaws, its removal leaves Black farmers more vulnerable. She said Black producers are often left to navigate USDA programs without the same outreach given to white farmers, and that many with large operations were never disadvantaged to begin with. The USDA’s move comes in response to pressure from white farmers and conservative legal groups. A Wisconsin farmer, Adam Faust, has sued the administration, claiming he faced reverse discrimination in multiple USDA programs. Faust previously led a successful lawsuit against the Biden administration in 2021, halting a $4 billion loan forgiveness program aimed at aiding farmers of color.
    Black farmers continue to challenge federal agencies in court. The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association recently sued the USDA for allegedly excluding them from the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, which provided help to over 43,000 farmers who suffered discrimination before 2021.

    Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia said the administration’s actions amount to political theater. “Instead of working to create more certainty for our nation’s farmers and adopting a stable trade agenda, this administration is focused on divisive publicity stunts that will hurt our agriculture industry long-term,” he said.
    Scott’s bill builds on years of advocacy, including his efforts to expose that just 0.1% of a $26 billion USDA pandemic relief package went to Black farmers.
    As Farm Bill reauthorization talks continue in Congress, Scott said this moment must be used to embed equity into agricultural policy. “Congress has a responsibility to reverse the decades of inaction by restoring trust, creating new market opportunities, and ensuring USDA supports our Black and socially disadvantaged farmers,” Scott said.