J.L. Chestnut, the first and only African-American lawyer in Selma, Alabama in 1958, was very active in the Civil Rights Movement and, as a partner in Chestnut, Sanders, Sanders, Pettaway and Campbell, is widely recognized as one of the leading civil rights attorneys in the country. Chestnut was a central legal figure in the successful historic litigation against the USDA on behalf of black farmers.

This speech was given at the 2000 National Bioneers Conference.

Learn more about J.L. Chestnut and his relationship with Bioneers.