This Week's Guest:


Air Date: August 15, 2024
Cooperative Advocate

Everything Co-op Broadcast Live from the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund’s 57th Annual Meeting

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This week’s broadcast will be live from the Annual Meeting of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund (Federation). 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 will kick off festivities for its Annual Meeting with the Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony in Birmingham, Alabama. This year the award will be 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 will proceed 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.

Our host, Vernon Oakes, is a consummate advocate for cooperatives. He is a Past President of the National Association of Housing Cooperatives, and he’s served on several boards and committees to advance the interests of cooperatives. Recently, he served on the Limited Equity Cooperative Task Force, established by Anita Bonds, At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia. Vernon is an MBA graduate of Stanford University, who has used his business acumen to benefit the community, by promoting the added value of the cooperative business model. 

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