IL HR0164

Designates April 23 through April 29, 2023 as Black Farmers Week in Illinois.

Acknowledges the historical struggle of Black farmers in America, including systemic discrimination in land ownership, loan access, and crop pricing that persisted for over a century after emancipation.

Notes that Illinois Black farm ownership declined dramatically from 892 farms in 1920 to 188 individually Black-owned farms covering 40,412 acres as of the 2017 USDA Agricultural Census.

Encourages Illinois residents and government representatives to learn about the history and contributions of Black farming communities and African Americans to U.S. agriculture.

Directs presentation of the resolution to the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the National Black Farmers Association.