Championing the Rights of Black Farmers: Jillian Hishaw’s Fight for Justice
In a groundbreaking legal battle, Jillian Hishaw, an author, agricultural attorney, and nonprofit leader, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the fight for the rights of Black farmers. Her mission is deeply personal, rooted in her family’s experience of losing their Oklahoma farm due to theft. This injustice spurred Hishaw into action, dedicating her career to assisting Black farmers facing discrimination and land theft.
The Battle for Land and Legacy
Hishaw’s efforts are highlighted in the case of Marvin Smith, a farmer from rural Georgia, fighting to protect his family’s 600 acres of land against the Sandersville Railroad Co.’s eminent domain claims. This land, purchased in 1926, has not only served agricultural purposes but also played a critical role in funding the education of Smith’s family. The railroad company, led by President Benjamin Tarbutton III, asserts that seizing this land is vital for economic development and job creation.
In contrast, Smith and other Black residents, staunch in their refusal to sell, see this as a continuation of the historical struggle to retain land ownership amidst systemic racism and discrimination. The case, heard over a four-day hearing in late November 2023, epitomizes the broader challenge faced by Black families in America in preserving their land legacy.
Hishaw’s Crusade for Justice
Hishaw’s approach to addressing these injustices is multifaceted. She utilizes her expertise in agricultural law and her role as the founder of the international nonprofit Family Agriculture Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S). This organization provides vital technical and legal assistance to farmers, aiming to combat hunger in the farming community.
Despite the significance of her work, Hishaw faces considerable challenges in the legal system. She highlights the disparity in treatment between her Black farmer clients and white farmers, noting the difficulty in even obtaining discovery in court cases. This struggle underscores the systemic hurdles Black farmers face in seeking justice.
Impact on the Black Farming Community
The USDA’s discriminatory practices have left deep scars on the Black farming community. Hishaw’s clients, many of whom are older farmers, suffer from financial burdens due to unjust debts and foreclosures. These challenges are compounded by the lack of access to essential financial benefits, such as Social Security or tax refunds, with some having their bank accounts frozen since 1999.
Hishaw emphasizes the need for awareness and caution regarding the USDA’s latest Discrimination Financial Assistance Program. She advises Black farmers to carefully read and understand the implications of the paperwork involved, as it may impact their appeal rights and due process.
The Road Ahead
Jillian Hishaw’s fight is more than just a series of legal battles; it is a crusade to right historical wrongs and restore dignity and rights to a community long marginalized. Her dedication not only honors the legacy of her ancestors but also lights a path forward for future generations of Black farmers in America.
