1619 Podcast: The Land of Our Fathers, Part 2

Host: Nikole Hannah-Jones
Release Date: October 12, 2019
Series: 1619, The New York Times
Description: "1619" explores the profound impact of slavery on the United States, marking the arrival of enslaved Africans in Virginia as the nation's foundational moment.

Introduction

In "The Land of Our Fathers, Part 2," Nikole Hannah-Jones delves deeper into the enduring legacy of slavery by spotlighting the struggles of black farmers in contemporary America. The episode intertwines personal narratives with historical context, revealing systemic discrimination that continues to undermine black agriculturalists.

June and Angie Provost's Struggle

June and Angie Provost, black sugar cane farmers, have been battling to sustain their family farm against a backdrop of financial and institutional challenges.

Angie Provost (00:53):

"When we buried my dad... I wanted to make him proud. And when all that happened, I felt like I was letting my dad down."

Despite their dedication, the couple faces insurmountable obstacles in securing necessary funding to maintain their farm.

Angie Provost (02:44):

"Oh, never. Never. I mean, I'm a sugar cane farmer and I mean, I loved it. This is my family's legacy."

Discriminatory Practices by First Guaranty Bank

The core of their struggle lies with First Guaranty Bank, which has allegedly engaged in discriminatory practices by manipulating loan agreements.

Angie Provost (03:11):

"It was a repetitive cycle... late loans, underfunded over collateralization."

June and Angie argue that the bank consistently reduced their loan amounts without consent, crippling their ability to operate effectively.

Angie Provost (06:12):

"He said, do you realize that First Guaranty bank is photocopying your signatures... and changing the loan amount."

The Role of USDA and Whistleblower William Husband

June turns to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeking assistance, leading to an encounter with William Husband, a USDA employee who becomes a pivotal whistleblower.

June Provost (05:30):

"He said, 'I want y’all to sit in my office... I want you to pull out what you need.'"

Husband reveals the extent of the bank's misconduct, providing June and Angie with crucial evidence to support their claims of racial discrimination.

Angie Provost (07:44):

"He said, I'm shaking... that answered my question, my..."

Historical Context: Civil Rights Settlement for Black Farmers

The episode contextualizes the current plight of the Provosts within a broader history of discrimination against black farmers. Highlighting a landmark lawsuit led by Alexander Pires, the narrative showcases systemic bias ingrained in federal agricultural policies.

Khalil Gibran Muhammad (12:04):

"One day in the late 1990s... black farmers walked into a lawyer's office to sue the USDA for discrimination."

This lawsuit culminated in the largest civil rights settlement in U.S. history, yet its resolution did not fully eradicate the entrenched biases faced by black farmers.

Ongoing Challenges and Modern-Day Parallels

Despite the 2014 settlement, black farmers like June and Angie continue to encounter systemic barriers. The lack of sufficient reparations and continued discriminatory practices by financial institutions perpetuate their struggles.

Nikole Hannah-Jones (10:46):

"First Guaranty bank would not speak with us... the largest amount of money the government has ever paid to settle a discrimination case."

Perspectives and Counterclaims

The episode also presents counter-narratives from white farmers who deny any racial bias, attributing the Provosts' failures to agricultural incompetence rather than systemic discrimination.

Ryan Dorie (26:37):

"They are horrible farmers. They are the worst farmers that we have in the area."

Such perspectives highlight the ongoing tension and contested narratives surrounding race and agriculture in America.

Personal Reflections and Emotional Impact

Angie Provost shares the profound personal toll of losing their home and land, illustrating the emotional and psychological burdens of systemic disenfranchisement.

Angie Provost (31:42):

"I didn't want to go outside... It’s just a beautiful evening."

Nikole Hannah-Jones reflects on the raw and enduring wounds of America's racial history, emphasizing the lack of societal reckoning.

Adizah Egan (32:25):

"I just realized that the wounds are still very raw. They're still there."

Conclusion

"The Land of Our Fathers, Part 2" poignantly underscores the persistent challenges faced by black farmers, linking personal adversity to historical and systemic injustices. Through the Provosts' story and broader civil rights narratives, the episode calls for a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of the enduring legacy of slavery in shaping contemporary American realities.

Notable Quotes:

• Angie Provost (00:53):

  "I wanted to make him proud. And when all that happened, I felt like I was letting my dad down."

• Angie Provost (06:12):

  "First Guaranty bank is photocopying your signatures... and changing the loan amount."

• Khalil Gibran Muhammad (12:04):

  "Black farmers walked into a lawyer's office to sue the USDA for discrimination."

• Ryan Dorie (26:37):

  "They are horrible farmers. They are the worst farmers that we have in the area."

• Adizah Egan (32:25):

  "The wounds are still very raw. They're still there."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and emotions conveyed in "The Land of Our Fathers, Part 2," providing a nuanced understanding for those who haven't listened to the episode.