'We didn't come to use the bathroom'

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2002

A group of African-American farmers took over a Department of Agriculture office in Tennessee on Monday to protest inaction over delayed loan applications.

The takeover was organized by several farmers' groups. One representative told The Washington Post that USDA officials were "accommodating."

"Typical USDA," said Gary Grant, a North Carolina farmer and president of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists. "'We're going to be very nice to you. Here's the bathroom. Here's the water fountain.' We didn't come to use the bathroom and the water fountain. The men came for their money."

American Indian farmers filed a class action against the USDA, alleging similar claims made by African-Americans regarding loans and discrimination.

The USDA settled the African-American lawsuit but many farmers complain the government isn't living up to its end of the bargain.

Get the Story:
Protesters Take Over USDA Office in Tennessee (The Washington Post 7/2)
Black farmers demand justice (The Jackson Sun 7/2)

Relevant Links:
Farmers Lawyer - http://www.farmerslawyer.com