We have landowners, small growers. We have people who are holding onto land that was acquired by their families after slavery. They need to produce some of the food we eat, so they can pay the taxes and hold onto the property. Taxes keep going up. We, and by we I mean black people, are rapidly becoming a landless people. Our ancestors, coming out of slavery, acquired more than 15 million acres of land. Today, we're probably down to less than 2 million acres.
Shirley SherrodThe traditional farm, the peanuts, the cotton, the corn, is probably not the thing to do, because you're up against big farmers who can afford all the equipment to grow those kinds of crops. But we need healthy food. We're being encouraged to eat more vegetables. Our school systems are being encouraged to buy locally. So, we need farmers who can produce that food.
Shirley SherrodThe news of Mr. Breitbartโs death came as a surprise to me when I was informed of it this morning. My prayers go out to Mr. Breitbartโs family as they cope during this very difficult time.
Shirley SherrodWhen I look in the mirror I see someone who's aging now, and someone who kept a commitment made many, many years ago, and who today is trying to be an example for young women.
Shirley SherrodI've remained a supporter of the Obama administration, even at the height of my ordeal. There's a lot that he could do differently, but so much of what he's tried to do has been blocked by the Republican officeholders. I think that he could have been a much better president with more support. So, I'm still supportive of him.
Shirley SherrodI love helping other people. When I made a commitment to stay in the South, to work for change, it meant devoting my life to working for and helping others. I feel good when I know that I've saved someone's farm, or helped a family to get a home or access to credit. Or when I can get young people to see that there's more to life than just trying to make the biggest dollar for yourself.
Shirley Sherrod