Everything Co-op Broadcasts Live from the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund's 57th Annual Meeting. Vernon interviews Ben Burkette, Tremelle Sherman, and founding members John Zippert, Carol Zippert and Otis Williams. The guests discuss the Annual meeting, history and evolution of the Federation, and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund Memorial Legacy Project. This year marks the 57th anniversary of the Federation's commitment to supporting Black farmers, landowners, cooperatives, and underserved communities in the South. On Thursday, August 15, 2024, the Federation began its festivities for the Annual Meeting with the Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony in Birmingham, Alabama. This year the award was presented to U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn. This award is given in memory of Estelle Witherspoon, a woman whose dedication to the advancement of her community and to all humanity epitomizes the true spirit of community and cooperation. After the awards ceremony on August 15, the Annual Meeting proceeded to the Federation's Rural Training and Research Center near Epes, Alabama on August 16 and 17. At the Epes Center a panel of USDA agency leaders and specialists will present information on the latest developments in USDA programs that support Black farmers, landowners, cooperatives, and rural communities; a series of workshops and demonstrations including Cooperative Development, Marketing, Heirs' Property, and Forestry will be presented; and a discussion of plans for improving farm policies, land retention, and conservation practice will be facilitated.
