History of MN Black Farmers
Minnesota Black Farms have a rich and important history in the agricultural landscape of the state, although their story is often overlooked. Black farmers in Minnesota have played a significant role in the state's farming community, particularly after the Civil War and during periods of racial segregation.
One of the most significant challenges was gaining access to land and resources. African Americans were often excluded from government programs and financial support available to white farmers, which made it difficult for them to compete on an equal footing. For example, the Homestead Act of 1862, which provided free land to settlers, was not equally accessible to Black Americans due to racial prejudice and discriminatory practices.
During the 20th century, the number of Black-owned farms in Minnesota, and the U.S. as a whole, began to decline. Factors such as discriminatory lending practices, lack of access to resources, economic hardship, and the Great Migration (where many African Americans moved from rural areas to urban centers) contributed to this decline.
Despite these hardships, Minnesota’s Black farmers have remained resilient, with many continuing to farm and maintain their traditions. Today, organizations like the Minnesota Farmers Union and the Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners of Minnesota (BFUGM) are working to support and uplift Black farmers and address the ongoing challenges they face, from access to land and resources to combating systemic racism in agriculture.