Obama Signs Decade Old Pigford v. Glickman Case
By Avik, Gaea News NetworkThursday, December 9, 2010
WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — It was this Wednesday that the President signed a funding measure settlement struck between the Agriculture Department and minority farmers more than a decade ago. Reportedly, the fund is worth $1.15 billion.
Reportedly, the 1997 Pigford v. Glickman case against the U.S. Agriculture Department over claims of discrimination against black farmers was settled out of court 11 years ago in 1999 under a federal judge’s terms. According to the judgement the qualified farmers could receive $50,000 each to settle claims of racial bias.
President Obama also signed a separate $3.4 billion settlement reached with the Department of Interior for mishandling Native American trust funds, along with four separate water rights lawsuits brought by Native American tribes.
John Boyd, founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association,stated,
It’s vindication and justice for black farmers, This is what I wanted. I wanted a final restitution from the government so the black farmers can move on. I don’t think this is about the money. I think this is about justice..
