The Usda Agents Seize Black Farmer's Land

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Local us d a agents understood what this cycle meant for these black farmers. And so when that would happen, and the black farmer wood was unable to pay back the loan and couldn't re structure it, year after year after year they would seize that farmer's land. This was a systematic practice that happened to black farmers since e 19 twenties. It is the main reason why there has been this dramatic decline in black land ownership. The second issue has everything to do with heirs property, but that's a, that's a different issue. But the main reason is because of the us t a and the role that they have played.

Farming has been a huge part of our history and culture for generations. But, there’s a part of the story that’s so often left out of the popular lore: the history, stories, and contribution of Black farmers. It’s so important to understand this part of our heritage, not only to acknowledge the challenges and contribution, but also because it’s had a profound effect on our food systems to health, education, economics, and beyond. In today’s conversation with Natalie Baszile, we dive into the history and stories, not just of the past, but of present and returning farmers. Natalie holds a M.A. in Afro-American Studies from UCLA and is a graduate of Warren Wilson College’s MFA Program for Writers. She is the author of the novel Queen Sugar, which was adapted for television by writer/director Ava DuVernay and co-produced by Oprah Winfrey for OWN.

Natalie’s stunning new anthology, We Are Each Other’s Harvest, is filled with essays, poems, quotes, conversations, and first-person stories that examine Black people’s connection to the American land from Emancipation to today, with a strong focus on what she calls the Returning Generation. It elevates the voices and stories of Black farmers and people of color, celebrating their perseverance and resilience, while spotlighting the challenges they continue to face. This collection helps all of us better understand the rich history and contribution of Black farmers. Plus, the book, itself, filled with imagery, is visually gorgeous as well.

You can find Natalie at: Website | Instagram

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