Washington D.C. – Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community, has announced a partnership with John Deere to launch the Farm Fellowship internship program.
The Federation of Southern Cooperative/Land Assistance Fund will welcome up to three law students who will aide in the critical work of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund including working to improve the livelihoods of Black farmers with a particular emphasis on the preservation of heirs’ property in rural communities throughout the United States. This fellowship will also help develop and provide hands on experiences to the next generation of attorneys to help in this critical work and beyond. The fellows will be provided a summer stipend and their transportation and housing will be covered.
“Our long-standing, proven relationship with TMCF has organically positioned us to make a difference in the lives of Black farmers and provide the right resources to improve and maximize the value of these legacy properties.” said Marc Howze, Group President, Lifecycle Solutions and Chief Administrative Officer for John Deere.
The partnership was established in the wake of a coalition that was formed and included John Deere, the National Black Growers Council and TMCF. This coalition set out to address priority legislation, expand educational and advocacy opportunities, and ensure access to tools and technology all farmers need to successfully navigate advanced production systems.
“We see this partnership as an extension of our social justice work,” said Harry L. Williams, President & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). “We are excited to help identify students attending our member-schools, who can bring their legal training, research and expertise to bear to help provide solutions to addressing this ongoing challenge.”
“The legacy and contribution of farmers is important to John Deere,” said John C. May, Deere’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Along with Thurgood Marshall College Fund, we are committed to changing the economic landscape and access to resources for Black Farmers. This is a dynamic partnership that will help secure the future for many families”.
About John Deere
Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a world leader in providing advanced products, technology, and services for customers whose work is revolutionizing agriculture and construction — those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich, and build upon the land to meet the world’s increasing need for food, fuel, shelter, and infrastructure.
About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.