a cooperative association of Black farmers, landowners, and cooperatives

Friday | July 26, 2024

Office of Communications

CONTACT

Tandelyn Daniel

Director of Communications and Member Relations

tandelyndaniel@federation.coop | 404-905-8928

www.federation.coop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressman Jim Clyburn

Honored as the Federation's

23rd Annual Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

EAST POINT, GA -

The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund is thrilled to announce that Congressman Jim Clyburn has been selected as the 23rd recipient of the esteemed Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award!

Join us in celebrating Congressman Clyburn's remarkable achievements in the advancement of equity at the award presentation on Thursday, August 15th, 2024, at the Sheraton in Birmingham. This event promises to be an inspiring evening, reflecting the true spirit of community and cooperation.

This prestigious award, given in memory of Estelle Witherspoon, honors her unwavering dedication to community advancement and cooperation. Congressman Clyburn's exceptional contributions to his community and his relentless advocacy for justice and equity make him a deserving recipient of this honor.

About Congressman Clyburn

James E. Clyburn is the U.S. Congressman representing South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and Chairman of the Democratic Faith Working Group. He served as Assistant Democratic Leader from 2011 to 2018 and 2023 to March 2024, and House Majority Whip from 2019 to 2022 and from 2007 to 2010, making him the first African American to serve multiple terms as Majority Whip. A native son of South Carolina, Clyburn has represented the state’s Sixth Congressional District since 1993.

Congressman Clyburn’s humble beginnings in Sumter, South Carolina, as the eldest son of an activist, fundamentalist minister, and an independent, civic-minded beautician, grounded him securely in family, faith, and public service. A 1961 graduate of South Carolina State he began his professional career as a public school teacher in Charleston, SC.

Read full read Congressman Clyburn's biography here.

Attend the August 15th, 2024 Ceremony

Are you interested in attending the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund's (the Federation) 23rd Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Awards Ceremony on August 15th in Birmingham? Or join us for FSC/LAF's 57th Annual Meeting on August 16th and 17th at our Historic Rural and Research Center (RTRC) near Epes, Alabama.

Visit the Federation's website here to learn more about these events.

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The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund is a 57-year-old cooperative association of Black farmers, landowners, and cooperatives.

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.