"Healthy Solutions" for Black Farmers ~ National Red Dress Day

National Red Dress Day highlights the importance of a healthy diet in the battle against the #1 killer of women, heart disease. Together, can not only "speak out against heart disease" but also share the wisdom of grandmomma's "mother wit" through Black Agriculture demonstrating the faith and courage of Rosa Parks.

Nationwide Black Farmers need your assistance to implement "Healthy Solutions" that can bring job opportunities, career development and sustainable communities to the most impacted communities throughout out nation where childhood obesity, diabetes and heart disease has reached epidemic levels, impacting our national security.

Join us tomorrow 5:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites, Sacramento River Promenade for our Kick-Off "Healthy Solutions" Capital Campaign to close the final chapter on systemic institutional discrimination and begin generating broad based support for creating Black Agriculture in the 21st Century.

Today's announcement that the U.S. Justice Department has notified the White House that a settlement is near for black farmers discriminated against by the United States Department of Agriculture. The plaintiffs in this case 80 to 90 thousand black farmers. The issue dates back to the late 1990's and the Clinton administration.

President Obama's 2011 budget proposal includes 1.2 billion dollars in settlement monies for the black agrarians. If approved by congress, it would mark the second time federal funds were allocated for the discrimination award for black farmers in a presidential budget proposal. In the past, President George W. Bush proposed the monies, but, congress cut the farmers hoped for compensation.

Rob Nabors, Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget says, "The President [Obama] put forward a proposal last year; and, it is continued in this year's budget where we have a proposed settlement of approximately 1.2 billion dollars. The Department of Justice is currently negotiating the settlement.

"It is about ensuring Justice is done" contends Robert Gibbs White House Press Secretary. We must make sure the our California Congressional Delegation in Washington D.C. hears from constituents in each district and in Washington D.C.

Our Rosa Parks Day in California Weekend continues through Monday 5:30 p.m., California State Capitol, Room 126, Rosa Parks Day in California, introducing some of our honorees and preparing for a nationwide celebration of our honorees during California Agriculture Day Gala Celebration, Monday, March 22, 2010.