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5 Historic Examples of Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa) That Advanced The Black Community

Posted byBy A Moore | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

Colored Farmers' National Alliance and Cooperative Union

Colored Farmers’ National Alliance and Cooperative Union (CFACU)

The Colored Farmers’ National Alliance and Cooperative Union was formed in 1886 in Texas. Despite the fact that both Black and white farmers faced great difficulties due to the rising price of farming and the decreasing profits that were coming from farming, the protective organization known as the Southern Farmers’ Alliance didn’t allow Black farmers to join.

A group of Black farmers decided to organize their own alliance, to fill their need. The CFACU operated under fear and harassment by white farmers, but managed to operate several cooperatives in the late 19th century before having to disband.

Members of the CFACU shared agricultural techniques and innovations, and coordinated cooperative efforts for planting and harvesting. The Union promoted alliances between farmers and laborers, and was active in local and regional politics in order to maintain rights for African Americans after Reconstruction. It’s estimated that the CFACU had 1.2 million members and was the largest Black organization of its time.

 

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