Black Farmers Attack Settlement Denials

Mon., Feb. 14, 2000

A lead attorney in a class-action lawsuit filed by black farmers against the Agriculture Department said too many farmers have been denied compensation in the settlement.

The federal settlement, approved by a federal judge in April, ended a lawsuit that accused the USDA of regularly denying subsidies and other assistance to black farmers because of their race.

“The fight is not over,” lawyer J.L. Chestnut said Saturday to 200 farmers at a conference here.

Under the settlement, farmers who can show evidence of discrimination are entitled to $50,000 each and to have outstanding loans forgiven. An additional $12,500 is being sent to the Internal Revenue Service in the name of each farmer to cover the federal income taxes he or she would owe on the settlement.

About 18,000 farmers filed claims under the settlement, but Chestnut said more than 40 percent of the claims have been rejected. Farmers can appeal the denials to a court monitor.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Black Farmers Attack Settlement Denials

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

White House to host 9-hour prayer festival focused on Christian roots of U.S.

Are these the bones of the fourth musketeer? This Dutch village hopes so.

Alex Murdaugh murder convictions overturned by South Carolina Supreme Court