

‘1619,’ Episode 5: The Land of Our Fathers, Part 2
Oct 12, 2019
Khalil Gibran Muhammad, a Harvard history professor, teams up with lawyer Alexander Pires, who fought for Black farmers' rights. Together, they uncover the struggles of the Provost family, sugar-cane farmers facing systemic discrimination and financial turmoil. They explore the landmark lawsuit challenging racial biases in agricultural loans, revealing deep emotional ties to the land. The discussion highlights historical injustices while reflecting on the critical importance of community support and the ongoing fight for equity in farming.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
June Provost's Grief
- June Provost visits his father's gravesite near the sugarcane field.
- He reflects on his father's wish to pass the farm down, feeling he let him down.
June Provost's Determination
- Despite hardships, June Provost refuses to give up sugarcane farming.
- He sees it as his family's legacy and his passion.
The Phone Call and Altered Documents
- June received a call from USDA employee William Husband, revealing he was the only farmer facing such difficulties.
- Husband showed June his files, revealing the bank photocopied and altered his loan applications, reducing the amount.