The Colored Farmers Alliance (CFA) emerged as a pivotal organization in the late 19th century, playing a crucial role in addressing the economic and social challenges faced by African American farmers in the Southern United States. Founded in 1886 in Houston County, Texas, the CFA was established as a response to the exclusion of black farmers from the Southern Farmers Alliance, a similar organization that catered to white farmers.
Key Facts
- Formation and Purpose:
- The Colored Farmers Alliance was founded in Houston County, Texas, on December 11, 1886.
- It was formed because the Southern Farmers Alliance, which was a similar organization, did not allow black farmers to join.
- The alliance aimed to address the economic challenges faced by black farmers, such as falling commodity prices, rising farm costs, and high interest rates.
- Membership and Growth:
- The Colored Farmers Alliance rapidly spread across the Southern United States and reached its peak membership of 1.2 million in 1891.
- It merged with a rival alliance, the National Colored Alliance, in 1890.
- The alliance also absorbed the Colored Agricultural Wheels in Arkansas, western Tennessee, and Alabama.
- Programs and Initiatives:
- The Colored Farmers Alliance established a weekly newspaper called the National Alliance to educate its members on better farming practices.
- It set up exchanges in various ports where members could purchase goods at reduced prices and obtain loans to pay off mortgages.
- The alliance raised funds to provide for longer public school terms and founded academies in some places.
- It also acted as a fraternal organization, providing support to sick and disabled members.
- Cooperation and Differences:
- The Colored Farmers Alliance occasionally cooperated with the Southern Farmers Alliance on issues such as opposing the Louisiana lottery and taxes on cottonseed oil production.
- However, the two alliances had differences, particularly regarding the Lodge election bill, which the Colored Alliance supported but the Southern Alliance condemned.
Formation and Purpose
The CFA was formed with the primary objective of addressing the economic hardships experienced by black farmers. They faced significant obstacles, including falling commodity prices, rising farm costs, and high interest rates. The alliance aimed to provide support and resources to black farmers, empowering them to overcome these challenges and improve their economic well-being.
Membership and Growth
The CFA experienced rapid growth and gained widespread support among African American farmers. By 1891, it had reached its peak membership of 1.2 million, becoming the largest black organization in the 19th century United States. The alliance’s success in attracting members can be attributed to its focus on addressing the specific needs and concerns of black farmers, who were often marginalized and excluded from mainstream agricultural organizations.
Programs and Initiatives
The CFA implemented various programs and initiatives to support its members. It established a weekly newspaper, the National Alliance, to disseminate information on improved farming practices and provide a platform for discussing issues affecting black farmers. The alliance also established exchanges in several ports, allowing members to purchase goods at reduced prices and access loans to pay off mortgages. Additionally, the CFA raised funds to extend public school terms and established academies in some areas, demonstrating its commitment to education and community development.
Cooperation and Differences
While the CFA primarily operated as an independent organization, it occasionally collaborated with the Southern Farmers Alliance on specific issues. Both alliances shared concerns about the Louisiana lottery and the imposition of taxes on cottonseed oil production. However, the two alliances held differing views on the Lodge election bill, which aimed to protect voting rights in the South. The CFA supported the bill, while the Southern Alliance opposed it, highlighting the complexities of their relationship.
In conclusion, the Colored Farmers Alliance played a significant role in addressing the economic and social challenges faced by African American farmers in the late 19th century. Through its programs, initiatives, and advocacy efforts, the CFA empowered black farmers, promoted economic self-sufficiency, and contributed to the broader struggle for civil rights and racial equality.
Sources
- https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/colored-farmers-alliance-0
- https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/colored-farmers-alliance
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colored_Farmers%27_National_Alliance_and_Cooperative_Union
FAQs
What was the Colored Farmers Alliance?
The Colored Farmers Alliance (CFA) was an organization founded in 1886 to address the economic and social challenges faced by African American farmers in the Southern United States.
Why was the CFA formed?
The CFA was formed because the Southern Farmers Alliance, a similar organization, did not allow black farmers to join. The CFA aimed to provide support and resources specifically tailored to the needs of black farmers.
What were the goals of the CFA?
The CFA’s goals included improving the economic well-being of black farmers by addressing issues such as falling commodity prices, rising farm costs, and high interest rates. It also aimed to promote education, provide support to sick and disabled members, and advocate for the rights of black farmers.
How did the CFA support its members?
The CFA implemented various programs and initiatives to support its members. It established a weekly newspaper to disseminate information on improved farming practices, set up exchanges where members could purchase goods at reduced prices and access loans, raised funds to extend public school terms, and established academies in some areas.
Did the CFA cooperate with other organizations?
Yes, the CFA occasionally cooperated with the Southern Farmers Alliance on specific issues, such as opposing the Louisiana lottery and taxes on cottonseed oil production. However, the two alliances had differing views on other issues, such as the Lodge election bill.
What was the significance of the CFA?
The CFA played a significant role in empowering black farmers, promoting economic self-sufficiency, and contributing to the broader struggle for civil rights and racial equality. It was the largest black organization in the 19th century United States and its efforts helped to improve the lives of African American farmers in the South.
When did the CFA decline?
The CFA began to decline in the early 1890s due to various factors, including the failure of members to pay dues, internal conflicts, and external opposition from white farmers and landowners. The unsuccessful cotton pickers’ strike of 1891 further contributed to its decline.
What was the legacy of the CFA?
The CFA’s legacy includes its role in raising awareness of the challenges faced by black farmers, its efforts to promote economic self-sufficiency, and its contribution to the broader movement for civil rights and racial equality. It also inspired the formation of other organizations dedicated to supporting black farmers and advocating for their rights.