National Press Club to Host 'NEWSMAKER' Media Briefing With President of the National Black Farmers Association

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National Press Club

Feb 08, 2011, 11:44 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by the National Press Club:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO)

Newsmaker: Dr. John W. Boyd, president, National Black Farmers Association

TOPIC: "Justice in Jeopardy: Black Farmers Face New Troubles"

DAY: Tuesday, Feb. 15

TIME: 1 p.m.

PLACE: Zenger Room

National Press Club

National Press Building

529 14th St. NW, 13th floor

Washington, D.C. 20045

Despite President Barack Obama's signature on landmark civil rights legislation, black farmers seeking justice for decades of discrimination still face significant hurdles. Confusion over the settlement and the claims process could leave thousands of black farmers out in the cold.

Dr. John W. Boyd, president and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, will explain how many black farmers missed their initial opportunity to have their cases heard, and how the current atmosphere could result in more of the same. In Boyd's words, "A rapidly developing crisis threatens to sabotage black farmers' last best hope."

Boyd, who was present when Obama signed the landmark Claims Resolution Act of 2010 in December, will also offer an update on how the settlement is moving ahead, including a look at the cases of individual farmers with an eye toward next steps to propel progress. The settlement is designed to remedy decades of discrimination by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

SOURCE National Press Club