In partnership with the company John Deere, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is launching the Farm Fellowship internship program, an initiative to support Black farmers.
The fellowship will welcome three law students who will work with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund to offer legal resources to Black farmers, with a focus on preserving their inherited property in rural communities.
Dr. Harry L. Williams“Along with Thurgood Marshall College Fund, we are committed to changing the economic landscape and access to resources for Black Farmers,” said John C. May, John Deere’s chairman and CEO. “This is a dynamic partnership that will help secure the future for many families.”
The joint program grew out of a coalition including John Deere, the National Black Growers Council and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The coalition’s aim was to address the needs of farmers, from legislation to access to technology and educational opportunities.
“We see this partnership as an extension of our social justice work,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “We are excited to help identify students attending our member-schools, who can bring their legal training, research and expertise to bear to help provide solutions to addressing this ongoing challenge.”
