Since 1999, the federal government has disbursed billions of dollars in settlement funds to address discrimination lawsuits against the United States Department of Agriculture. By July 2024, these funds had been exhausted. Several Black farmers have reported that an organization promising assistance with obtaining this settlement money ultimately failed them. This article explores the struggles faced by these farmers and the controversy surrounding the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association (BFAA).

Struggles and Disappointments: Farmers' Experiences

For many Black farmers, the process of applying for settlement funds has been fraught with frustration and disappointment. Vincent Bishop, a tree farmer from Colbert County, described how the stress of the application process mirrored the challenges he faced on his farm. He began paying dues to BFAA over two decades ago, believing it would secure him $50,000 in settlement money. However, despite his payments, he received nothing. Bishop feels misled and betrayed by the organization, which he believes should have taken care of all the paperwork once dues were paid.

Bishop's story is not unique. Kiki Michelle Singletary-Williams from Henry County shared a similar experience. She and her family members paid dues to BFAA for years, filled out extensive paperwork, but never received any settlement funds. Singletary-Williams filed a complaint with the Tennessee attorney general’s office, joining others who have voiced concerns about the organization's practices. The complaints suggest that BFAA may have misled its members into thinking they would receive substantial settlement money. Singletary-Williams emphasized the need for accountability, stating that such actions are not just suspicious but clearly fraudulent.

Controversy Surrounding BFAA and Advocacy Efforts

The leadership of BFAA, headed by Thomas Burrell, has vigorously defended the organization's role in advocating for Black farmers. Despite allegations of misleading members, Burrell claims that BFAA has successfully lobbied Congress and secured billions of dollars in settlement funds through various lawsuits. He argues that the issues lie elsewhere, not with BFAA. However, court documents from 2012 raise serious concerns about BFAA's conduct and representations, suggesting that their actions might have harmed the very individuals they claim to represent.

In contrast, John Boyd, founder of the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA), has taken a different approach. Boyd has been actively helping Black farmers fill out forms without charging fees, hosting sessions across the country to assist those seeking settlements. He expressed dismay at the exploitation of elderly Black farmers by organizations like BFAA. Boyd highlighted the importance of transparency and integrity in advocacy efforts. Meanwhile, the USDA acknowledges the problem of organizations collecting fees under false pretenses and emphasizes its ongoing support for farmers affected by discrimination. Bishop eventually left BFAA and managed to secure $70,000 in settlement money independently, underscoring the importance of self-reliance and vigilance in navigating complex legal processes.