
Click for more information on member scholarships & resources.
Vendors for Friday - Saturday, please call the Rural Training & Research Center (205) 652-9670
Sustaining the Future: Innovation, Resilience, and Member Engagement
We are excited to invite you to the 59th Annual Meeting & 25th Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund taking place August 13–15, 2026. Centered around this year’s theme, Sustaining the Future: Innovation, Resilience, and Member Engagement, the event will begin in Birmingham and conclude in Epes, Alabama.
This special gathering celebrates decades of leadership, advocacy, resilience, and progress in strengthening Black farmers, landowners, cooperatives, and rural communities across the South. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect, reflect on the Federation’s enduring impact, and honor individuals whose contributions continue to shape the future of cooperative and community-based development, including legendary civil rights attorney Fred David Gray, whose lifelong fight for justice has helped shape the course of American civil rights history.
Register for Events
Thursday August 13th- Saturday August 15th
* Please note that there are two separate registrations for those planning to attend the entire weekend. *

Thursday | 25th Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony ( Dinner, Thursday | Birmingham, Alabama_Thu, Aug 13Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
Friday & Saturday | 59th Annual Meeting| Epes, AlabamaMultiple DatesFri, Aug 14Rural Training & Research Center
More Event Details:
Click Here to Review Full Agenda
CENTRAL TIME ZONE Day 1 (Thursday) - 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Day 2 (Friday) - 7:00 am - 8:00 pm | Day 3 (Saturday) - 7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Thursday:
The 25th Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony brings together farmers, landowners, cooperatives, and community leaders for an evening celebrating economic justice, collective power, and leadership across the rural South. This year's ceremony will feature the recognition of legendary civil rights attorney Fred David Gray, whose groundbreaking legal work helped advance the Civil Rights Movement and protect the rights of generations of Black Americans, while honoring the enduring legacy of Federation founding member Estelle Witherspoon.
Friday:
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and educational sessions, connect with fellow members, and engage in meaningful conversations around land retention, cooperative economic development, advocacy, agriculture, and the future of our communities. The celebration continues with Taste of the Federation, featuring a fish fry, shared meals, fellowship, and evening entertainment that reflect the rich traditions found across our organization.
Saturday:
The weekend concludes with the Mrs. Mattie Mack Pretty Hat Prayer Breakfast, the Annual Membership Business Meeting, and the presentation of the Pat Jackson Youth Scholarship Awards as we celebrate the next generation of leaders and reflect on the Federation's continued impact across the rural South.
We invite you to join us for a memorable weekend celebrating leadership, resilience, and the power of community networking.
Registration
Please note that each person should register separately to ensure that each participant receives a pre-printed nametag and is properly accounted for in terms of meal planning, travel, etc. Meals are served during the programmed event. The participant is responsible for all food not provided by the Federation during the event, including personal meals and food purchases.
Thursday's Hotel Information:
The official host hotel for the 25th Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony is the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.
Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
2101 Richard Arrington Blvd
Birmingham, AL 35203, US
Phone: 1-659-559-4585
Friday - Saturday Hotel Options:
Hampton Inn & Suites - Meridian, MS
Call: 1-888-524-0562
Best Western Plus - Demopolis, AL
Call: 1-334 289-2611
Book Your Room
We encourage guests to book as soon as possible to take advantage of the special Annual Meeting group rate (180.00 USD +Taxes & Fees) and secure accommodations within the Federation room block. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. Please note that upon check-in, you will need to present a card for incidentals.
Parking Information
Parking is available at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel and may be purchased in advance or upon arrival.
Guests may receive a 10% parking discount by using the code: FSC2026
The discount code is valid August 12–15, 2026.
Fred David Gray
Kentucky farmer and Federation member
Founding FSCLAF Cooperative Member
Details coming soon!
Epes, Alabama
Thank You FSCLAF Lifetime Members!





Event Contacts
For Annual Meeting registration or event-related questions, please contact your designated state office.
If you reside in a Southern state not listed, please call 404-765-0991 or email info@federation.coop for assistance.
Alabama Field Office
575 Federation Road
Gainesville, AL 35464
Phone: (205) 652-9670
Florida Field Office
224 NW Hillsboro Street
Lake City, FL
Phone: (386) 243-8179
Georgia Field Office
624 W. Oglethorpe Blvd.
Albany, GA 31701
Phone: (229) 432-5799
Mississippi Field Office
233 East Hamilton Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Phone: (601) 944-0592
Louisiana Field Office
3717 Prescott Rd.
Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone: (318) 704-2423
South Carolina Field Office
900 Saint Andrews Rd.
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (843) 321-4171
Texas Field Office
2002 W. Grand Pkwy North, Suite 305
Katy, TX 77449
Phone: (713) 634-7385 / (404)-765-0991
Membership Questions & Support
For membership inquiries, contact:
-
Email: membership@federation.coop
-
Phone: 404-765-0991
General Event Questions & Support
For additional event information, please contact:
-
Email: events@federation.coop
-
Phone: 1-404-765-0991
Secure Your Spot!
We look forward to welcoming you!
