Karl Dean meets with Memphis-based Black Farmers group, discusses grants

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Karl Dean met with the Memphis-based Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association Thursday, vowing to increase grant availability and improve rural broadband access if elected.

Dean’s meeting with the group follows a similar meeting last month at the organization’s downtown headquarters with Republican nominee Bill Lee.

Dean met privately with Thomas Burrell, BFAA president, and Bishop David Allen Hall, pastor of Temple Church of God in Christ.

Spokeswoman Patricia Rogers said that in addition to grants and broadband access, the group talked about minority participation in a Dean administration, reclamation of black youths, expanding Medicare and the idea of an economic development commissioner.

Rogers said Dean also indicated he would talk with the Trump administration about concerns over tariffs and their effect on Tennessee farmers.

Lee said after his discussion with the group last month that they talked about ways in which urban and rural interests could work together to help farmers, among other issues.

Dean faces an uphill battle against Lee, who has led consistently in polling on the Nov. 6 gubernatorial battle. Early voting has begun.

The BFAA does not endorse candidates, but it does lobby on behalf of its 20,000-plus membership that includes black farmers and their heirs.

Burrell said it’s important to know where each candidate stands on the issues and what they have to offer black farmers.