US Rep Artur Davis, left, and Tuskegee
University President Benjamin Payton chat at the 111th Farmers
Conference at Tuskegee University on Friday. Davis says economic
disparities continue to divide Alabama. |
The U.S. Congressman says black farmers are in the
poor half of the "two Alabamas."
Decrying what he called "two Alabamas," U S. Rep.
Artur Davis on Friday called on the federal government to help make the
halves whole.
The 7th District congressman said "one Alabama"
continues to grow on the strength of universities, the aerospace
industry, banks and insurance companies while the "other Alabama" is the
one "you traveled from to get here."
Speaking to hundreds of black farmers from throughout
the region, Davis said it is time for the federal government to
understand their plight and rectify decades of poverty by providing
funding for health, education and agricultural endeavors.
Davis said parts of Alabama have "one of the worst
health care systems in the western world, "that puts stakes between
those who have and those who have not."
The first-term lawmaker was the keynote speaker at
the 111th annual Farmers Conference at Tuskegee University which was
attended by about 300 people. He has been traveling his district since
taking office last month, pointing out problems and suggesting
solutions.
TU President Benjamin Payton introduced Davis, who
grew up in Montgomery, by saying " he is the king of person we need in
Congress."
"He didn’t need anyone in Congress to research
poverty, " Payton said, He knew what it was about."
Many black farmers have left their land in the past
few decades. Many of those who remain are older and have no one to pass
their property to. That was one of the subjects discussed at the
conference.
George and Mary Mason, who have operated a 40 acre
family farm in Sumter County for most of their 62 years of married life,
say they see a bleak future for many black farming families.
"Young people just don’t seem interested in farming
today like they used to, said Mary Mason. "Some feel there just isn’t
enough money in it."
Davis also mentioned a lawsuit against the federal
government on behalf of black farmers who claimed they were unfairly
treated when they sought loans, grants and other assistance.
An agreement was reached more than a year ago in
which $50,000 payments were given to black farmers across the country.
Davis indicated that many more should have shared in the settlement
which stemmed from "systematic discrimination."
After seeking for a "show of hands from those in the
audience who got a "single dime" from the settlement, Davis watched as
four farmers responded.
~
Originally published: Montgomery Advertiser,
2002
