Bill > HJR1039

This joint resolution honors Tennessee's fifteen African-American-owned Century Farms for their significant contributions to the state's history, culture, and economy. A Century Farm is a farm that has been continuously owned and operated by the same family for 100 or more years, and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has a program to recognize these farms. The resolution highlights the resilience and determination of African-American farmers who, despite facing immense obstacles like discriminatory loan practices and racial animus, have maintained their land and legacy. It acknowledges the historical context of African-American land ownership in the South, its peak in Tennessee around 1910, and the subsequent significant loss of farmland due to systemic issues. Despite these challenges, these fifteen farms stand as powerful reminders of perseverance and success, and this resolution expresses the state's appreciation and best wishes for their continued success.