Just harvest The story of how black farmers won the largest civil rights case against the U.S. government

Greg A. Francis

Book - 2021

"Although Greg Francis is not a farmer, he planted a seed as a lead counsel in a groundbreaking class-action lawsuit that yielded the largest gain for Black farmers in U.S. history. Since the last slaves were freed in the United States more than a century ago, countless promises made to the Black community have been broken. The first, of course, was the pledge of 40 acres and a mule to each emancipated family. Without land to their name, achieving economic independence was a near impossibility, yet Black farmer persisted. At first, many labored under condition that replicated slavery until they became tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and ultimately landowners. Throughout the years, systemic discrimination and racism barred them from... receiving government funds intended as much for them as for other farmers. Their land, livelihood, and very existence were threatened time and again. Just Harvest not only pays homage to all the Black farmers who fought to own the land they've worked for decades, but it also celebrates the largest civil rights settlement won on their behalf. When the first of two landmark class-action law suits secured restitution for only a fraction of the affected farmers, a second lawsuit was launched, yielding astounding results. Due to the efforts of Francis and other on the latter case, more than $1 billion dollars has been paid by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to Black farmers for the injustices they suffered. In telling the story of Black farmers and their epic legal battle, Francis provides both personal and historical context. If you're American, these events should have personal and historical resonance for you too."--page 2 of cover. more