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Tandelyn Daniel

Director of Communications and Member Relations

tandelyndaniel@federation.coop

404-765-0991

VICTORIA SMALLS

HIRED AS

FEDERATION OF SOUTHERN COOPERATVES/LAF'S INTERIM SOUTH CAROLINA STATE COORDINATOR

EAST POINT, Ga. (Jan. 31, 2025)The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (the Federation) proudly announces the appointment of Victoria A. Smalls as Interim South Carolina State Coordinator, effective February 1, 2025. In this role, Smalls will support the Federation’s mission of empowering Black farmers, landowners, and cooperatives across the state.


As a member of the FSCLAF executive team, Smalls will lead the implementation of programs and initiatives focused on cooperative economic development, land retention, and advocacy in South Carolina. She will oversee a diverse team of outreach specialists and support staff, ensuring the Federation’s continued impact in strengthening and sustaining Black landownership and cooperative enterprises.

About Victoria Smalls

A native of St. Helena Island, South Carolina, Smalls previously served as Executive Director of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, where she led national heritage preservation efforts and secured increased federal funding. Her leadership extends to roles with the National Park Service, the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, and the International African American Museum, where she has worked to preserve and share the rich history of African American and Gullah Geechee communities.

"We are excited to have Victoria come aboard and look forward to what she brings to our leadership team, our membership in South Carolina, and the organization," said FSC/LAF Executive Director, Cornelius Blanding.

Smalls’ work has earned her numerous honors, including the 2024 Governor’s Award in Humanities and the 2022 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. She serves on multiple boards and advisory committees, advocating for land justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Through her dedication and leadership, Smalls continues to uplift and empower historically underserved communities.


Contact Smalls directly at: victoriasmalls@federation.coop

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The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund is a 58-year-old cooperative association of Black farmers, landowners, and cooperatives across the South.


Our mission is to be a catalyst for the development of self-supporting communities through cooperative economic development, land retention, and advocacy.


We envision sustainable rural communities supported by a network of farmers, landowners, and cooperatives based on local control and ownership. 

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