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THE FIFTY-SEVENTH (57th) ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FEDERATION OF SOUTHERN COOPERATIVES/LAND ASSISTANCE FUND WILL BE AN
IN-PERSON GATHERING HELD THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, THROUGH SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024.
The official membership meeting will be held from 9:00 AM (Central) to 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Federation’s RURAL TRAINING AND RESEARCH CENTER, NEAR EPES, ALABAMA. On Saturday, the meeting will proceed with a Prayer Breakfast at 8:00 AM (Central).
The Federation’s Board of Directors is not recommending any changes in the organization’s By-laws to be voted on at this meeting. The Board, state associations, and membership may propose some resolutions for action by the full membership at the Annual Meeting; the specific proposals are not available to be sent with this communication.
We are planning a great celebration of our work, memories, and progress in the development of the Federation, as the foremost organization serving Black farmers, landowners, cooperatives, and underserved communities across the South.
On Thursday, August 15, 2024, we will hold the 23rd Annual Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Banquet at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel at 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, Alabama, 35203.
This is primarily a fundraising event.
The 23rd Annual Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement will be awarded to South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn. We couldn’t think of a more deserving honoree for the 57th year than Mr. Clyburn.
On Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Federation’s Rural Training Center, near Epes, Alabama at 575 Federation Road, Gainesville, GA 35464, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM there will be a panel of USDA agency leaders and specialists to present information on the latest developments in USDA programs that support Black farmers, landowners, cooperatives, and rural communities. There will also be a discussion of plans for improving farm programs, land retention strategies, and conservation practices.
On Friday afternoon, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM CST, there will be a series of workshops and demonstrations including Cooperative Development, Heirs' Property, and Forestry. Tours of the Federation’s forestry and agroforestry projects will be offered after workshops. The evening events will include family fun and trail rides followed by a Fish Fry featuring memorable dishes from our membership, an auction, music, and other entertainment.
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, we will begin with a Prayer Breakfast at 8:00 AM followed by a Business Meeting including reports from the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and our state caucuses of cooperatives.
The Board of Directors of the Federation/LAF will also meet during the Annual Meeting. The states of Florida, Louisiana, and, Mississippi are scheduled to elect a member to the Board of Directors for a three-year term, as the term of office of their current member is expiring.
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