U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Oklahoma State Director Kenneth Corn announced today that the department has made Cooperative Agreements with the Greenwood Community Development Corporation and the Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project to uplift and deliver financial security to Oklahoma’s historic All Black Towns.
These agreements will deliver this by generating commerce and providing assistance with Rural Development’s 504 home repair program. The Greenwood Community Development Corporation will receive $250,000 and will drive Economic Development in the Oklahoma Black Townships by empowering low- and moderate-income residents through financial literacy and entrepreneurial training. The Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project will receive $150,000 to focus on empowering socially disadvantaged rural residents through awareness and access to Rural Development Programs.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that all American regardless of their zip code deserve a fair shake, and for far too long our Historic All Black Towns in Oklahoma have not been given a fair opportunity to prosper,” Corn said. “These grants aim to tackle the two pain points in building long-term financial success by investing in our entrepreneurial spirit and home ownership.”
These partnerships will target 30 businesses across the historic All Black towns, offering critical resources for financial planning, business development, and marketing. Additionally, it will provide technical assistance and training in Oklahoma's fourteen historic Black towns, this project aims to strengthen these communities by building strategic plans, supporting land retention and estate planning, and guiding community development efforts.
“Through these cooperative agreements, we’re not just investing in economic potential—we’re reinforcing a sense of belonging and hope for the future,” Corn said
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/ok.