Black farmers in North Carolina and across the country are celebrating the signing of a bill authorizing payments to settle a racial bias lawsuit.
For decades – African American farmers have complained to the government about discrimination from the United States Department of Agriculture – or USDA. With the stroke of a pen – President Barack Obama signed the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 – freeing up 1.15-billion dollars in settlement money.
George Roseboro of Columbus County is one of four-thousand current or former black farmers in North Carolina. He says his father died waiting for justice.
"To be honest, my reaction is it’s a blessing from the Lord. And I’ve been waiting ever since 1999."
That’s when the U-S District Court of the District of Columbia first approved the settlement. It will pay current or former black farmers or their heirs approximately 50-thousand dollars.