The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host a free session for black farmers who need help filing claims in the Pigford II lawsuit.
A team of lawyers will be at UAPB’s S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex Auditorium on April 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to offer assistance to black farmers to file Track A claims in the Pigford II lawsuit, a spokesman said.
Help will be provided by appointment or as a walk-in.
“The Pigford II claims process is only for individuals who did not obtain a decision on their claim in Pigford I,” said Henry English, head of the Small Farm Program at UAPB. “If you filed a claim in Pigford I and received a decision, you are not eligible to participate in Pigford II.”
May 11 is the last day to submit a claim. The submission period began Nov. 14, 2011. The maximum recovery for a Track A claim will be $50,000, plus a tax payment and debt relief, if applicable, English said. Awards under both tracts A and B are subject to reduction based on the amount of available funds and the number of prevailing claimants.
Appointments will be taken beginning at 9 a.m. after an 8 a.m. presentation by Othello Cross, class attorney for Pigford claimants. To make an appointment, call 1-877-810-8110. The Extension Complex is located at 2300 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive in Pine Bluff. Details: Contact Kellye Luckett at (870) 575-7226.