Black Farmers in Search of Justice Film

The web page has been live for several days. For those who have not seen it, here it is:

https://blackfarmersinsearchofjusticefilm.com/

If you hit that link, it'll take you to the web page for the documentary about Black farmers and their fight against the USDA.

Historically, Black farmers got the short end of the proverbial stick when it came to loans and services. Without loans, it is impossible to farm in these days. If what you need comes late into the planting system, the cycle starts and from there it never ends. Then, if you do get a loan and do not receive adequate support, advice, consultation, etc., as do the white farmers, then the cycle continues to deepen and deepen. 

However, when the loans come due, and they always come due, the plot thickens. Failure to assist in the farming business is hidden beneath layer upon layer of bureaucracy. The problem never is claimed by the FSA/USDA, local officials, county committee. The lack of transparency is blatantly obvious. Few if any of those who were guilty of discrimination ever lost their jobs. The farmers lost their land, but the USDA officials kept their jobs. In one situation that I heard about, an FSA county official was actually transferred to another county/parish, and then promoted to the state office. Inhumane!

This film chronicles in their own words and lived experiences the trauma of fighting, though winning, and the battle with the USDA. Fifteen Black farmers prevailed against the USDA between '97 and '99. Shoun and I interviewed nine of them. Some had died. Some simply did not want to be interviewed, and a couple had their own deals in the making. These are courageous people. Every single one of them. 

This web page will give you several things: 1) the intent of the film, 2) the trailer, 3) pictures and a few quotes of the farmers we interviewed, 4) videos of why we made the film and what we hope for it, and 5) information about us and how to contact us for what reasons. 

We are currently in search of a distributor. If you have any leads for us, please let us know. 

Where we Stand: Justice Act and Vilsack

 

Hope for Perilous Times and the Holy Spirit

This morning, my Advent readings ventured into two spaces: the role of the Holy Spirit in the Civil Rights Movement and the apocalyptic language of Jesus in the gospels. As many who follow me here, know that Charla and I have been involved for years in the Black Farmer Movement. This "church" to which we belong is composed of God-fearing, God-loving women and men who believe that all of God's children should be treated fairly and equitably. They, in my opinion, and we, in my opinion, are prompted by the movement of the Holy One of Israel. Therein lies our hope for change which is stirred these days by The Black Farmer Justice Act of 2020.

On the other hand, out of the darkness of captivity, God's people developed an "apocalyptic language," which Jesus used in three of the gospel narratives. Looking deeply into the meaning behind this type of language lies the "death" so to speak of "optimism," as optimism is pitiful in the face of pandemics and deaths and destruction and all, this according to one theologian this morning. On the other hand, in the midst of the storms of life, we can engage hope, live in hope, live through hope, and have a hope that transcends and rides with us through life's challenges which can be overwhelming.

So, this morning, I engage the power of the Holy One of Israel, and I engage in hope. Therein lies the ability to live and be productive for another day. The Holy Spirit and hope. I love those two notions.