Greene County Democrat

Category: Community

  • Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAF Business Meeting shows strength and future direction of the cooperative association of Black farmers and rural low-income people

     Board of Directors and Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director,

    By John Zippert, Co-Publisher

    In last week’s issue of the Greene County Democrat, we reported on the first two days of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund’s 57th Annual Meeting. This is a report on the third day, Saturday, August 17, 2024, which featured a prayer breakfast and business meeting.

    The Mattie Mack Pretty Hat Prayer Breakfast was in honor of past board member from Kentucky, who used to fix the breakfast on the Saturday morning. Ms. Mack, a tobacco and cattle farmer, always wore a hat to the Board and Annual Meetings, hence the challenge and tribute to the Federation’s female membership, to wear their best hat.

    Rev. Wendell H. Paris, who was the first Federation staff member on the grounds at the Federation’s Rural Training and Research Center and is now a minister in Jackson, Mississippi gave the prayer breakfast sermon. His address stressed the importance of voting in the upcoming November 5th election.

    At the Federation Business meeting, the Board of Directors and Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director, reviewed the progress of the past year and discussed potential future developments for the organization in the coming year.

    Shirley Blakeley, from Shuqualak, (Noxubee County) Mississippi, who is the Board Chair, gave a report highlighting the work of the Federation, as a ‘cooperating agency’ with the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), especially with the DFAP – Discrimination Farmers Assistance Program, and conservation, forestry, climate, and agricultural marketing projects. Carrie Fulghum, Federation Board Treasurer, from Gainesville, Alabama, reported that the organization had current assets of $10 million, including grants and contracts payable, land, buildings, housing and other assets. Current liabilities were $300,000, placing the organization in its strongest financial position in its 57-year history.

    Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director, congratulated the Federation’s membership on ‘our 57th anniversary’ saying, “the Federation is a testament to grassroots community leadership, and the extraordinary things that ordinary people can do when they work together.” He repeated the figures from the Treasurers report indicating a historic net worth of the organization at $10 million.

    Blanding cited the collective impact of the Federation’s membership, cooperatives and affiliated organizations in increasing the staff from 50 to 75 in the past year. The staff works from seven (7) offices in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, and Florida. Most of these offices are owned by the Federation. Our RTRC site has been recognized and designated a demonstration forestry and agroforestry site, by the U. S. Forest Service, to serve and train Black and underserved rural people with small forestry acreages.

    “Our staff is committed and charged with assisting farmers to get a USDA farm identification number, needed to access USDA programs. We will assist members in applying for USDA credit, conservation, climate, and marketing resources to build their farms. We will help our members to have a business plan for their farm operations and an estate plan for the disposition of their land and assets at death. We also offer technical assistance, training and business management assistance to our member cooperatives,” said Blanding.

    “We have directly assisted 2,000 of our members to participate in the DFAP process. We estimate that $160 million in benefits were delivered by this one USDA program to our farmer members. We plan to help those who are continuing to farm to invest these resources wisely in their farm operations, said Blanding.

    He continued, “With the help of the Southern Black Farmer Community Led Fund, we have helped five agricultural co-ops in Alabama to acquire $500,000 each, in new infrastructure, to strengthen their ability to market and generate income from basic crop production. We are developing a Black Farmers Financial Institution, in collaboration with other groups to be funded from the Pigford lawsuit – ‘ci pres’ left over funds. We are also working to implement the Heirs Property Re-lending Fund, to assist families in clearing titles and fully utilizing their inherited land resources.”

    Blanding also cited work on the Federation’s Memorial Legacy Project, which will be a “living memorial to the grassroots leaders and organizations that help to create and implement the self-help strategies of the Federation. The Memorial Legacy Project will be built on the RTRC land between Epes and Gainesville, Alabama, consisting of a memorial wall, walking trails, gardens, orchards, gazebos, fountains, benches, cabins and other structures to recognize these pioneering leaders and help tell their story. During the past year the Federation’s RTRC was recognized by the Alabama Historical Commission and the National Parks Service, as a National Historical Site.

    Blanding indicated that the Federation was working on a new five-year strategic plan for the organization, which includes the following elements:

    Board, Membership and Staff Development
    Strengthen Cooperative Infrastructure
    Rural Training and Research Center Upgrade
    Renovations
    New Construction
    Memorial Legacy Project
    Farm and Forestry Demonstration sites, increase
    membership usages and training

    After the reports, members from each state met in state caucuses to elect Board members and discuss issues, ideas and program services to be added to the five-year strategic plan discussions.

     

  • Newswire : Africa has almost 4,000 new mpox cases in a week, but the wait for vaccines continues

    Patient in the Congo tested for mpox

    By: AfricaNews and AP

    Africa is seeing a rapid increase in mpox cases with nearly 4,000 reported in the past week, the continent’s public health body said Tuesday as it repeated a plea for long-awaited vaccines whose arrival this week in the most affected country, Congo, has been delayed.

    Eighty-one deaths from mpox were reported in Africa in the past week, bringing the total cases and deaths to 22,863 and 622, respectively, Dr. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told an online briefing.

    About 380,000 doses of mpox vaccines have been promised by Western partners such as the European Union and the United States, he said. That’s less than 15% of the doses authorities have said are needed to end the mpox outbreaks in Congo, the epicenter of the global health emergency.

    Following mpox outbreaks outside the African continent in 2022, wealthy countries quickly responded with vaccines and treatments from their stockpiles. However, only a few doses have reached Africa despite pleas from its governments.

    At the earliest, the first batch of vaccine doses promised to support the new outbreaks in Congo will arrive on Sept. 1 after delays caused by documentation and emergency authorization issues, Kaseya said.

    The batch would include 50,000 doses promised by the U.S. government and 15,000 from vaccines alliance GAVI, said Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, the Africa CDC incidents manager on mpox.
    “It is just a matter of now waiting on the U.S. government on the transfer of those vaccines,” Ngongo said.

    Congo has also requested at least 2 million doses from Japan of vaccines that are particularly effective in protecting children, he said, with negotiations “quite advanced.” The new mpox variant first detected in Congo and blamed for the ongoing outbreaks is already triggering “significant” community-level transmission elsewhere, Ngongo said. For example, in neighboring Burundi, nearly 800 mpox cases have been recorded in the last month, he said.

    The U.S. on Tuesday donated 10,000 doses of mpox vaccines to Nigeria, where the disease has been common. It is the first known donation to Africa since the current outbreaks. Nigeria has recorded 40 mpox cases this year, according to Nigeria’s CDC.

    The Africa CDC said it is working on a unified response plan for the outbreaks which will be presented to African heads of state for consideration at a meeting in September. So far, African countries are promoting health measures and hygiene practices that would slow the spread of the mpox virus, Kaseya said.

    Experts, however, have said such measures are difficult to enforce in Congo, where millions fleeing violence are crammed in displaced camps amid a decade long humanitarian crisis. “Humanitarian actors are struggling to control the outbreak due to insufficient resources,” said Heather Kerr, the International Rescue Committee country director in Congo, adding that children are especially vulnerable.

  • Newswire : President Biden designates Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument to commemorate Civil Rights History

     1908 Springfield, IL race riot

    By Stacy M. Brown
    NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

    On the 116th anniversary of the Springfield Race Riot, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation establishing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument in Springfield, Illinois. The new monument will preserve 1.57 acres of federal land and highlight a significant but painful moment in American history, when a white mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, leading to the lynching of two Black men and widespread destruction of homes and businesses.

    “Our history is not just about the past; it’s about our present and our future,” Biden said during the announcement. “The Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument will help us remember an unspeakable attack on the Black community and honor the Americans who came together in its aftermath to help deliver on the promise of civil rights.”

    The Springfield 1908 Race Riot was a violent response by a white mob to the allegations against two Black men, Joe James and George Richardson, held in the Sangamon County Jail. The mob’s demands for their release escalated into widespread violence after the men were moved to another location for their safety. Throughout the weekend of August 14–16, 1908, two Black men, Scott Burton and William Donnegan, were lynched, and dozens of Black-owned and Jewish-owned businesses were looted and destroyed.

    The riot, which occurred just blocks away from President Abraham Lincoln’s home, shocked the nation and led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Civil rights leaders such as Ida B. Wells-Barnett, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Mary Church Terrell played pivotal roles in establishing the NAACP, an organization that has been instrumental in the fight for civil rights in the United States.

    NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson attended the event at the White House on Friday, August 16, where President Biden signed the proclamation. The President also hosted guests in the Oval Office, including the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of the Black Press of America.

    The designation marks Biden’s eleventh use of the Antiquities Act, following the establishment of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument in 2023, created on the 82nd anniversary of Emmett Till’s birth. The White House announced that the National Park Service (NPS) will manage the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument and include the charred foundations of five homes never rebuilt after the riot.

    “Establishing the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument is an important step in recognizing and remembering this painful but important moment in America’s history,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “The Springfield 1908 Race Riot was a horrific and significant part of our nation’s march toward equality and civil rights. As we work to tell America’s story—even when difficult—may this monument help us learn from the past in order to build a more just and equitable future.”
    NPS Director Chuck Sams also applauded the new monument. “This national monument will provide current and future generations an opportunity to reflect on the tragic events but also to be inspired by the resilience of the Black community and national leaders that went on to fight for social change and civil rights in America,” Sams insisted.

    The Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument joins an extensive network of sites dedicated to commemorating civil rights history across the United States, including the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and the Brown v. Board National Historic Park. The NPS plans to collaborate with local communities to prepare for interpretation, commemoration, and visitor experiences at the new site, which will eventually be part of the NPS’s African American Civil Rights Network.

    White House officials said the new monument underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing civil rights and racial justice. Officials said it also builds on previous actions such as signing the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, establishing the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument, and making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

    With the president’s actions, the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument became part of the National Park System, which now includes 431 national park sites.

  • Newswire: The Obamas rock Democratic Convention in Chicago

    Barack and Michelle Obama on stage at DNC

    By Stacy M. Brown
    NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

    On the second day of the Democratic National Convention, the Obamas took center stage and delivered electrifying speeches that reverberated through the United Center in Chicago. The convention, already energized by a capacity crowd in Milwaukee where Vice President Kamala Harris spoke during a rally, reached new heights as the former First Lady and former President rallied Democrats with their powerful words.

    Harris, who spoke to a packed arena in Milwaukee, had her speech live streamed into the United Center, effectively connecting the two cities in a show of Democratic unity and strength. Her presence set the tone for the evening, with her words filling both venues.

    Michelle Obama took the stage before her husband in Chicago, immediately captivating the audience. “Something wonderfully magical is in the air, isn’t it? I’m talking about the contagious power of hope,” she declared as the United Center enthusiastically rocked. “America, hope is making a comeback. Kamala Harris is one of the most qualified people to ever seek the office of president. And she is dignified.”

    Obama didn’t shy away from addressing the twice-impeached and 34-times convicted felon and former President Donald Trump directly. “For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” she remarked. “His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking and highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black. Who wants to tell him that job he’s seeking just might be one of those Black jobs?” she asked, eliciting raucous applause from the crowd.

    She continued to dismantle Trump’s rhetoric, particularly his attempts to question the blackness of Harris and other Democrats. “No one has a monopoly on what it means to be an American, no one,” Obama declared, her words striking a chord with the audience.

    Barack Obama then took the stage and immediately lifted the energy in the arena to a fever pitch. “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling fired up,” he began, his voice booming across the United Center. “Even if I’m the only person stupid enough to speak right after Michelle Obama.”
    Obama then turned his focus to Harris, praising her as a leader who embodies the best of what America stands for. “This country has a chance to elect someone who’s spent her whole life trying to give people the same chances America gave her,” Obama said. “Someone who sees you and hears you and will get up every single day and fight for you: the next president of the United States of America, Kamala Harris.”

    He also drew a sharp contrast between Harris’s vision for the country and the policies of Trump and his allies. “For them, one group’s gain is another group’s loss. For them, freedom means that the powerful can do what they please, whether its firing workers trying to organize a union, poisoning our rivers, or avoiding paying taxes like everyone else has to do,” he said, highlighting the fundamental differences in their approaches to leadership.

    Throughout the night, other prominent Democrats joined the Obamas in rallying the crowd. Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth delivered a searing critique of Trump’s attacks on reproductive rights. “I take it personally when a five-time draft-dodging coward like Donald Trump tries to take away my rights and freedoms in return—especially when it concerns my daughters,” Duckworth said.

    Maryland Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks reflected on her close relationship with Harris, emphasizing the vice president’s dedication to justice and public safety. “Kamala Harris knows how to keep criminals off the streets,” Alsobrooks said. “And come November, with our help, she’ll keep one out of the Oval Office,” a line that drew loud cheers from the Chicago crowd.
    New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham contrasted Harris’s healthcare policies with Trump’s, criticizing the former president’s attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. “Donald Trump and JD Vance want to dismantle our healthcare system, repeal the Affordable Care Act, and eliminate protections for preexisting conditions. Either these guys don’t get it, or they don’t care,” Grisham said.

    Barack Obama left the crowd with a final, resonant message: “If we work like we’ve never worked before, we will elect Kamala Harris as the next president and Tim Walz as the next vice president. And together, we too will build a country that is more secure, more just, more equal, and free.”

     

  • Newswire : Kamala Harris’s campaign soars with unprecedented momentum after Democratic Convention

    VP Kamala Harris campaigning for President

    By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

    The electricity in Chicago at the Democratic National Convention remains undeniable. Still, the real story is how Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has sent shockwaves far beyond the United Center, energizing battleground states that will decide the 2024 election. What was once a campaign facing significant challenges has transformed into a dynamic, unstoppable force. Harris now leads in most national and battleground state polls—a stunning development achieved in just over a month.

    In an email, Harris-Walz Campaign Chair Jen O’Malley Dillon said the Chicago convention had ignited the most significant organizing push since the campaign’s sudden launch. Dillon said volunteers recently contacted over 1 million voters in just a few short days. She noted that the surge in volunteer engagement “is a clear indicator of the campaign’s growing strength” as it heads into September with a formidable ground game.

    In tandem with the volunteer surge, the Harris-Walz campaign has shattered fundraising records, raising an unprecedented $540 million in just over a month—setting a new high-water mark in American political history. During the convention week alone, grassroots contributions crossed the $500 million threshold just before Harris’s acceptance speech. Dillon said the momentum didn’t stop there; immediately following her address, the campaign experienced its best fundraising hour since launch day.

    What’s even more remarkable is the diversity of Harris’s donor base. A third of the week’s donations came from first-time contributors, nearly one-fifth of those being young voters. Two-thirds of the young contributors are women, a critical demographic that could prove decisive in November. Additionally, according to Dillon, teachers and nurses continue to be among the most common donor occupations, underscoring the broad and deep support that Harris has cultivated.

    Dillon stated that the campaign’s unprecedented fundraising totals reflect the combined efforts of Harris for President, the Democratic National Committee, and joint fundraising committees.

    The convention also marked a significant outreach effort to conservative and independent voters, featuring six Republican speakers on stage and several more in videos, including former Trump administration officials—more than any previous Democratic convention. The event became the one history’s most bipartisan national political gathering. Notably, conservative legal scholar Judge J. Michael Luttig, a George H.W. Bush appointee, joined a dozen Republican lawyers who served under Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush in endorsing Harris. They joined the growing list of Republicans, including Congressman Joe Walsh, Congresswoman Barbara Comstock, and Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who have publicly supported Harris.

    Dillon said organizers are now gearing up to engage voters on critical issues such as reproductive freedom, the cost of living, and Social Security and Medicare protection. This week, Harris and Walz will embark on a bus tour through South Georgia, their first joint campaign event in the state. With its diverse mix of rural, suburban, and urban communities, including a significant proportion of Black voters and working-class families, this region epitomizes the Harris-Walz coalition. The tour will culminate in a rally in Savannah, where Harris will directly address Georgians about the upcoming election’s stakes.

    The Harris-Walz campaign is also making significant investments in paid outreach. The campaign launched a new TV ad across battleground states, highlighting Harris’s economic vision and her commitment to building an opportunity economy where everyone who works hard can get ahead. The ad is part of August’s $150 million television buy, with $370 million in television and digital reservations.

    “Headed into Labor Day, our campaign is using those resources and enthusiasm to build on our momentum, taking no voters for granted and communicating relentlessly with battleground voters every single day between now and Election Day—all the while, Trump is focused on very little beyond online tantrums and attacking the voters critical to winning 270 electoral votes,” Dillon remarked.
     

  • Greene County Career Center receives National JAG Award and state program improvement grant

    The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session, Monday August 19, 2024 with all members present. In his opening statements, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones noted that the opening of schools went well. In spite of the delay due to renovations, Robert Brown Middle School scholars are back on track.
    In his positive news reports, Dr. Jones stated that the Greene County Career Center (GCCC) has officially started the Technology Education and Learning Support Program (TEALS). TEALS helps schools build and grow sustainable computer science programs through partnerships between teachers and volunteers.
    Jones announced that the GCCC received the JAG (Jobs for Alabama Graduates) National 6-of-6 Award. This accolade recognizes the highest achieving states, regions and programs within the JAG National Network. JAG Specialist, Shamyra Jones accepted the award at the JG National Conference in Las Vegas.
    The Career Center was also awarded a $28,000 state grant for program improvement. The grant will be used to equip the marketing school-based enterprise and update cosmetology tools.
    In his update on construction and renovation projects, Superintendent Jones reported the following: Eutaw Primary School roofing is 98% complete; Press box at Robert Brown Middle School is 80% complete, due to power issues, but should be operative by first home football game; The HVAC project at RBMS is 75% complete and scheduled to be completed early September; RBMS windows project is 85% complete; doors project is complete with 22 new doors installed; The inspection of the elevator at RBMS was delayed due to a problem with the panel box. Once the parts are in, Johnson Control will repair the panel box; Regarding GCHS roofing warranty, J&J Services has approved a purchase order to repair the HVAC issues.
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by the superintendent.
    * Resignation: Jasmine Armstead, Science teacher – GCHS, effective August 7, 2024.
    * Employment for the 2024 – 2025 school year: Mary McMillian – Bus Aide – GCSS; Debra Waiters – Part-time Parent Facilitator – GCSS; Marva Smith – Long-term substitute (ACCESS) – GCHS; Carla Russell – Bus driver for mid-day CTE route from GCCC to RBMS.
    * Authorization of the following employees to work concessions and ticket booths for the 2024-2025 school year at the Greene County High School Principal’s discretion: LaTanya Cockrell; Tracey Hunter; Sarah Brewer; Twelia Morris; Sharon Washington; Mary Henderson; Wanda Gaitor; Jacqueline Edwards – Custodial Services.
    * Three-year contract for CSFO, Marquita Lennon, effective September 1, 2024.
    Additional Service Contracts 2024 – 2025 for the following employees at Greene County High School: (Separate Contract): Patricia Maiden – Assistant Volleyball Coach.
    The board approved the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent.
    * Travel to the 2024 CTE Vision Conference December 4-7, 2024 in San Antonio, TX for the following potential attendees: (pending budget approval)Teresa Atkins; Andrea Perry;Tamika Thompson; Angela White.
    * Contract between Greene County High School and West Central Volleyball Officials Association for volleyball officials for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
    * Contract between Greene County High School and West Central Football Officials Association for football officials for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
    * Agreement between Greene County Board of Education and Integrity Event Security Providers, LLC to provide concealed weapons detection services at Greene County High School and Robert Brown Middle School for the 2024 – 2025 school year.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    * Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    Purchase of a copier for central office from Dex Imaging in the amount of $14,590.
    CSFO Marquita Lennon presented the monthly financials as of July 31, 2024. In points of interest she noted that the school system has 5.17 months in combined general fund reserve; 4.78 months cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The financial snapshot was as follows: general fund bank balance totaled $5,883,377.74 (reconciles to the summary cash report); accounts payable check register totaled $959,487.37; payroll register totaled $879,406.86 (total gross pay, to include employer match items); combined ending fund balance totaled $6,369,486.91. Local revenue sources included property taxes at $15, 995.41; sales taxes at $107,265.01; other taxes at $2,261.59. Local revenue totaled $125,522.01.

  • Federation of Southern Cooperatives/LAFholds 57th Annual Meeting


    Ms. Mignon Clyburn accepts the 23rd Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her father, U.S Congressman James E. Clyburn, Thursday August 15, 2024 and Mr. Cornelius Blanding ,FSC/LAF Executive Director, addresses the gathering at the 57th Annual Membership Meeting held at the Federation’s Rural Training and Research Center in Epes, AL.

    By John Zippert, Co-Publisher

    The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund held its 57th Annual Meeting on August 15-17, 2024. The Federation is the largest organization speaking for 10,000 Black farmers and other low-income rural people across the South.

    The Federation works with 75 cooperatives and community development credit unions working, mostly in rural communities across the South in persistently poor counties, with people who have been underserved with government and private resources.

    The first day of the Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 15th was held in Birmingham and featured the 23rd. Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner. The recipient of this year’s award was Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina. Clyburn has had an illustrious career in the House of Representatives, but he has also worked in support of Federation’s agricultural cooperatives in his home district.

    Due to the Democratic National Convention, Representative Clyburn was not able to attend the dinner. He sent his daughter Mignon Clyburn to accept the award in his honor and she did well in representing him in her remarks, praising the memory of Ms. Witherspoon and the work of the Federation. A video of Federation Executive Director Cornelius Blanding, presenting the award to Clyburn in his Washington office, was also shown.

    The second and third day of the meeting was held at the Federation’s Rural Training and Research Center, near Epes, Alabama. The second day began with a panel of USDA programmatic staff talking about their programs and ways to make them more effective in reaching Black farmers and other low-income rural people. Two USDA Under-Secretaries, Homer Wilkes for Natural Resources and DR. basil Gooden for Rural Development were present and made some remarks.

    NRCS Chief Terry Crosby spoke about his agency’s programs of conservation services and climate responsive agricultural practices for crop, livestock and timber farmer and landowners. Zack Ducheneaux, Farm Services Administration (FSA) Administrator spoke on steps to make farm credit more accessible and flexible. “We want to try to get to ‘yes’ in our lending policies and delivery. We have reduced collateral requirements to no more than 125% of the loan amount. We have made our lending more flexible with lower payment at the start, rising as more income is produced by the agricultural operation,” said Ducheneaux.

    Special Session on DFAP

    Attorney Monica Rainge, USDA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, who presided over the recent DFAP (Discrimination Farmers Assistance Program) held a special session to review the program. DFAP dispersed $2.1 Billion funding in the Inflation Reduction Act, Section 22007, to farmers who were discriminated against for race, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, and other forms of discrimination, before January 2021, in the USDA farm loan process.

    The USDA DFAP program received 58,000 applications and awarded funding to 75% or 43,242 farmers or persons who wanted to farm. 15,000 applications were rejected because they were incomplete or had other flaws.
    20,000 applicants, who attempted to farm, by going to a government farm lending office, but were denied a loan and were not able to farm, received between $3,500 ad $6,000 in compensation.

    The remaining 23,000 farmers, who did farm and had various discriminatory experiences in applying for or servicing their loans, received between $10,000 and $500,000, based on a review process, that has never been fully explained by USDA. 889 farmers received the maximum award of $500,000. The average check was for $82,000. The states of Mississippi and Alabama had the largest number of successful applicants, with Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Oklahoma, California rounding out the top ten states.

    Rainge explained that, as of now, these funds are taxable for the farmer recipients, at the Federal and state level. The farmer will receive an IRS 1099 form, by the end of the year and will have to list these funds as income on their 2024 taxes. Farmers were encouraged to seek out tax assistance to assist in minimizing the tax consequences of this payment.

    Farmers who are receiving income assessed payments, such as SSI, food stamps (SNAP) and Medicaid, or are in a bankruptcy, must report these funds as income and may have some reduction in government benefits as a result. These impacts vary from state to state, and farmers were encouraged to seek help from Legal Services programs or their own attorney on the best ways to report these funds.

    Rainge indicated, “DFAP was not a perfect process and there may be problems, errors or omissions in the implementation of the DFAP program.” She said, farmers with errors or omissions could call the DFAP hot line number at 1-800-721-0970 and report their concerns and complaints. She also said that the process was over, almost all of the money has been expended and that there is no formal appeal process.

    Some farmers who received lesser amounts of funding questioned whether the distribution of funds was equitable and related to the impact of the discrimination or based solely on the farmer’s economic losses.

    One successful 84-year-old Greene County vegetable farmer, said he had been farming for over sixty years and trained his son in farming, and then he received half as much from DFAP, as his son. This was one of several situations raised where there was an unexplainable dichotomy between the financial benefits of DFAP, with people in similar situations, with similar information on their DFAP applications.

    The third day of the meeting, Saturday August 17th began with the Mattie Mack Pretty Hat Prayer Breakfast and continued with the official Federation membership business meeting. We will report on these events in next week’s issue.

  • Newswire : Inflation cools to below 3%, paving the way for potential Fed Rate Cuts

    By Stacy M. Brown
    NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent


    Inflation in the United States showed promising signs of easing in July, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) falling below 3% for the first time in over three years. The unexpected slowdown in price hikes could lead the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates as early as next month, potentially easing borrowing costs and providing a boost to economic growth.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices rose 2.9% over the past year, down from June’s 3% annual increase. On a monthly basis, prices ticked up by 0.2%, reversing a slight decline of 0.1% in the previous month. The primary driver of this increase was housing costs, with the shelter index climbing by 0.4%, accounting for nearly 90% of the overall monthly increase.

    According to FactSet consensus estimates, economists had anticipated a 0.2% monthly rise and a 3% annual increase. Meanwhile, core CPI, which strips out the volatile categories of food and energy, also rose by 0.2% from June, with its annual rate slowing to 3.2% from 3.3%—the lowest rate since April 2021. Various financial experts said these figures suggest that the inflationary surge seen earlier this year is beginning to wane.
    This latest report builds on June’s positive data, which saw the overall CPI decline for the first time since April 2020. The steady cooling of inflation has given the Federal Reserve and financial markets increasing confidence that the worst inflationary pressures may be behind us.
    However, the Federal Reserve has been cautious, holding off on reducing interest rates until there was more consistent evidence of sustained progress in curbing inflation. However, recent developments in the labor market, including a weaker-than-expected jobs report for July—where only 114,000 jobs were added, and unemployment rose to 4.3%—have shifted the landscape.
    Financial experts said those labor market weaknesses have reignited fears of a potential recession, leading to heightened expectations that the Fed could begin cutting rates as soon as next month. Reducing interest rates would bring much-needed relief to borrowers, particularly those with mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans. Analysts predict the Fed will likely start with a modest rate cut, possibly around 0.5 percentage points.
    Even with potential rate cuts on the horizon, experts predicted that high-yield savings accounts, which currently offer some of the best rates at up to 5.35%, are expected to remain attractive. Certificates of deposit (CDs), which have been popular amid the high-interest-rate environment, may still offer favorable returns. However, financial experts advise caution in locking long-term high-yield CDs ahead of potential rate reductions.
    As the Fed’s decision looms, consumers are advised to focus on paying down credit card debt to position themselves favorably for improved borrowing conditions. Mortgage rates, currently averaging 6.55% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan, have already spurred a 16% surge in refinancing demand, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. A possible rate cut by the Fed could push mortgage rates even lower, making now a suitable time for homeowners and prospective buyers to consider refinancing.
    The automotive sector has also seen fluctuations, with the average interest rate for new vehicle loans in July at 9.72%, down from 10% in June but still higher than a year ago. The average monthly auto loan payment rose slightly to $727. As dealerships clear out inventory for new models in the coming months, consumers may find opportunities for discounts.
    President Joe Biden responded to the July inflation report, highlighting the progress made in controlling inflation. “Today’s report shows that we continue to make progress fighting inflation and lowering costs for American households. Inflation has fallen below 3%, and core inflation is at its lowest level since April 2021. While there’s still more work to do, we are seeing real progress, with wages rising faster than prices for 17 consecutive months,” Biden stated.
    The President also criticized large corporations for maintaining high prices despite record profits and emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce costs for American families. “We are taking on Big Pharma to lower prescription drug prices, cutting red tape to build more homes, and tackling price gouging to reduce everyday costs from groceries to air travel,” Biden added. He contrasted these efforts with Republican proposals, which he claimed would raise prices for middle-class families while cutting taxes for the wealthy and large corporations, vowing to continue fighting for economic progress.
    “While they try to take us back, we will fight for the future.” Biden declared.

  • Newswire : Biden Administration secures historic victory in Medicare drug price negotiations, projected to save billions

    By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent


    In a move hailed as a significant win for seniors, the Biden administration announced it has successfully negotiated substantial price reductions for 10 of Medicare’s most expensive and widely used prescription drugs. The result of intense negotiations with pharmaceutical giants, the move is expected to deliver billions in savings for both U.S. taxpayers and millions of older Americans who rely on these medications to manage chronic and life-threatening conditions.
    The White House revealed that the newly negotiated prices could save U.S. taxpayers a staggering $6 billion. In comparison, Medicare beneficiaries are projected to save an estimated $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs during the first year of implementation. The price cuts are a direct outcome of the Inflation Reduction Act, a legislative victory that has empowered the federal government to negotiate drug prices directly with manufacturers for the first time in history.
    Dramatic Price Reductions Across Critical Medications

    The impact of these negotiations will be felt across a range of critical medications, including drugs that treat heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other severe conditions. Among the most notable price reductions:
    Eliquis, a blood thinner from Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer, will drop its price from $521 to $231—a nearly 60% reduction.
    Imbruvica, a blood cancer treatment from AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson, will be reduced from $14,934 to $9,319, with a monthly savings of more than $5,600.
    Januvia, a diabetes medication from Merck, will now cost $113, down from $527—a 75% reduction.

    The price changes, which will take effect in 2026, represent a seismic shift in Medicare’s interaction with the pharmaceutical industry, marking a new era of accountability and affordability.
    A Landmark Moment for Medicare
    “This is a historic moment,” declared Neera Tanden, White House domestic policy adviser, during a press call. “For the first time, we are harnessing the power of Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, and millions of seniors and others on Medicare will soon see their drug costs go down on some of the most common and expensive drugs.”
    Medicare, which currently insures over 65 million Americans, has long been barred from negotiating drug prices. Officials said this restriction left millions of seniors grappling with skyrocketing prescription costs, but the Biden administration’s successful negotiation represented a dramatic reversal of the status quo and a significant step toward making healthcare more affordable.
    The Inflation Reduction Act, which officials said made the negotiations possible, also includes other critical provisions to reduce healthcare costs, such as capping insulin prices at $35 per month and placing an annual cap on out-of-pocket drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries.

    Strong Leadership and Continued Commitment

    Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who played a vital role in the negotiations, described the process as “intense,” noting that it required “hard-nosed bargaining” to secure these deals. Vice President Kamala Harris called the agreement “life-changing” for millions of Americans and said it reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to continuing the fight against Big Pharma’s “price-gouging practices.”
    “For years, millions of Americans were forced to choose between paying for medications or putting food on the table, while Big Pharma blocked Medicare from being able to negotiate prices on behalf of seniors and people with disabilities. But we fought back—and won,” President Biden added.
    Officials said the administration has already set its sights on expanding these negotiations. In 2025, the administration plans to negotiate prices for up to 15 additional drugs under Medicare Part D, with more to follow in subsequent years.
    A Turning Point for American Healthcare
    White House officials said the move signals a new era in which the federal government can take on powerful pharmaceutical interests and deliver actual savings to millions of people who need it most.
    “Every American should be able to access the health care they need, no matter their income or wealth,” Harris said. “Today’s announcement will be life-changing for so many of our loved ones across the nation, and we are not stopping here.”

  • Newswire : Leading Democratic women excoriate Trump during fiery DNC speeches

    Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Texas

    By Stacy M. Brown
 NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

     

    CHICAGO — At the Democratic National Convention, a cadre of leading Democratic women took the stage, unleashing a barrage of critiques against Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, framed by the Republicans’ notorious record on women’s issues. The stark differences in vision and values of the twice-impeached and 34-times convicted former president, his vice-presidential nominee, and Vice President Kamala Harris and her surrogates were on full display in Chicago.
    Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton opened with a searing take on Trump’s legal woes. “Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial,” Clinton recounted to an amused crowd. “When he woke up, he’d made his own kind of history — the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.” The statement sparked a wave of laughter and wild applause, leading to chants of “Lock him up!” echoing the irony of Trump’s previous attacks on her.
    “We have him on the run now,” Clinton declared. “But no matter what the polls say, we can’t give up.”
    Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas highlighted the divergent paths of Harris and Trump. “One candidate worked at McDonald’s while she was in college at an HBCU. The other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and helped his daddy in the family business: Housing discrimination,” Crockett said, sparking boisterous applause from the audience. She continued, “She became a career prosecutor, while he became a career criminal, with 34 felonies, two impeachments, and one porn star to prove it.”
    Reflecting on her early days in Congress, Crockett shared a personal testimony about Harris’ influence. “When I first got to Congress, I wasn’t sure I made the right decision,” she admitted. “That chaos caucus couldn’t elect a speaker, and the Oversight Committee was unhinged.”
    Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York also critically panned Trump’s priorities. “We know Trump would sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing palms of his Wall Street friends,” Ocasio-Cortez asserted. Her speech vividly championed Harris as a beacon for working Americans. “To love this country is to fight for its people — all people, working people, everyday Americans like bartenders and factory workers and fast-food cashiers who punch a clock and are on their feet all day in some of the toughest jobs out there.”
    Ocasio-Cortez then stirred the thousands of delegates with a forward-looking promise: “America, when we knock on our neighbor’s door, organize our communities, and elect Kamala Harris to the presidency on November 5, we will send a loud message that the people of this nation will not go back. We choose a new path and open the door to a new day: one that is for the people and by the people.”