New class action suit: Kimbrough, et.al., v. Schafer

Three attorneys, J. L. Chestnut, David Frantz, and Phil Fraas, have filed a class action lawsuit against the USDA on behalf of the 63,000 or so Black farmers who fall under the category of "late filers." This group of farmers were ruled ineligible for inclusion in the Pigford Consent Decree. Per the web page of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, this move is in response to the latest farm bill that includes a provision for seeking justice for those who missed the initial deadline under Pigford.

The FSC is urging caution in the face of attorneys who might promise more than they can deliver. Up front money should not be required to be a part of this effort.

The action is entitled "Kimbrough, et.al., v. Schafer," and the lead counselors are drawing attention to the limited resources allocated in the bill. Only $100,000,000 is allocated now, but there are hopes that Congress will appropriate more funds later.

Counsel is waiting for the Secretary of Agriculture to file an answer.

Reminds me of a "chance encounter," if there is such a thing, with a gentleman in a local restaurant yesterday. As we stood in line at the cash register, I commented to him, "Nice shirt." The words on the t-shirt read "Pray Until Something Happens." His comment? "It's been a hard day." I wish I'd continued the conversation. He lives in the area. I hope our paths cross again. I won't let the conversation die again. I promise.

This situation with the farm bill and the allocation for addressing grievances is one of those "pray until something happens" times. Pray and work, work and pray, until, in the words of the song, "righteousness rules this land."