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

Tune into WOL 1450 AM, 95.9 FM, Everything.coop and the WOL Livestream on August 15, at 10:30 AM, Eastern Time for "Everything Co-op." hosted by Vernon Oakes. 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 advancing 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.