by: Mary Ann Kelly
Members of the Winston County Self-Help Cooperative (WCSHC) attended the 25th Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 13, 2026, and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (FSCLAF) 59th Annual Meeting in Epes, Alabama, on August 14, 2026.
The Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals whose contributions reflect the legacy of Ms. Estelle Witherspoon, a dedicated civil rights activist and social justice advocate. Ms. Witherspoon participated in the historic 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery March and was arrested in 1971 for participating in an unpermitted march supporting school desegregation.
The 25th recipient of this prestigious award was Attorney Fred Gray Sr., whose distinguished career has advanced civil rights and social justice causes throughout the South. His son, Attorney Fred Gray, Jr., accepted the award on his behalf.
The awards dinner was exceptional, featuring excellent live music and a warm atmosphere of celebration and fellowship. Ms. Briar Blakely of Shuqualak, Mississippi, captivated attendees with her soulful musical performances. Following the dinner, a reception provided opportunities to connect with cooperative members and supporters from several states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Oklahoma. The evening was elegant, inspiring, and thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.
The following day, WCSHC members attended the 59th Annual Meeting of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (FSCLAF) at the Federation’s Rural Training and Research Center in Epes, Alabama. The meeting theme was “Sustaining the Future: Innovation, Resilience and Member Engagement.” Federation staff and resource personnel provided presentations on several important topics, including land retention, cooperative development, heirs’ property, land sustainability, advocacy, and the Heirs’ Property Relending Program. Participants learned that loan interest rates through the relending program range from 3% to 6%, with repayment terms ranging from 60 to 120 months. These loans are to support farming operations and cannot be used for land improvements. Presenters emphasized farmers’ vital role in sustaining communities, noting that “farmers are the first responders.”
Concurrent workshops included Heirs’ Property, Cooperative Economic Development, and Forestry & Land Management. WCSHC members attended the Heirs’ Property Workshop, which provided valuable information regarding inheritance, land ownership, and estate planning. Workshop presenters explained that developers often target heirs’ property by identifying and contacting the most vulnerable family members in an effort to acquire family-owned land. Participants learned that heirs have the right to first refusal, allowing family members the opportunity to purchase ownership interests from other heirs. Additionally, one heir may buy out the interests of others, and property may be sold for less than market value if all heirs agree. Presenters also discussed the option of establishing a Trust LLC if all heirs consent, as well as the importance of creating a Will to protect heirs’ property and ensure that family assets remain within the family. Estate planning was another major topic of discussion. Presenters emphasized that one of the greatest gifts parents can leave their children is a well-prepared estate plan. The workshop strongly encouraged families to work with attorneys in their respective states who specialize in heirs’ property matters. Overall, the session was highly informative and educational.
During the meeting, attendees also learned about the proposed Memorial Legacy Park. A colorful handout outlining the vision for the park was distributed to participants. Planned features include a memorial wall, cabins dedicated to the Federation’s 22 founding cooperatives, gardens, walkways, fountains, gazebos, artistic displays, and living landmarks celebrating cooperative history, land stewardship, and community empowerment.
The Memorial Legacy Park will honor the individuals, organizations, and grassroots leaders whose dedication helped build and sustain the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund. Located at the Federation’s Rural Training and Research Center in Epes, Alabama, the park will serve as a place of remembrance, reflection, education, and inspiration for future generations. Committee members shared the history of how the Federation acquired the 1,325 acres of land many years ago. Ms. Arlexis Yarbrough remarked on the determination and resourcefulness involved in securing the property through a third-party purchase arrangement without the seller’s knowledge.
Committee members emphasized that the Federation membership will own the park. One member described ownership by stating, “This is us’is.” During the presentation, pledge forms were distributed, and donations were collected. Additional fundraising efforts are ongoing to support the project. Pledge forms were distributed during the meeting, and donations were collected in support of the project. Several fundraising efforts are currently underway to help achieve the estimated $15 million construction cost. The park is expected to be built in phases, with plans for a grand opening within the next five years.
Reflecting on the events, Ms. DeBerne Kelly stated that she thoroughly enjoyed both the award ceremony and the annual meeting, especially the opportunity to fellowship with cooperative members from across the region. She noted that the events provided valuable information, meaningful connections, and a renewed appreciation for the Federation’s ongoing work in protecting land ownership and strengthening rural communities.
Through participation in these events, WCSHC members gained knowledge, inspiration, and renewed commitment to the principles of cooperation, land stewardship, and community empowerment.
