Actually, this looks like she's been rewarded. She won a lawsuit against Vilsack and then he appointed her to the post.
Shirley Sherrod named Georgia Director of Rural Development
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Shirley Sherrod (2nd from r) receiving Harold Gaines Award during her graduation celebration for earning a master’s degree from Antioch University, at the RDLN Assembly in Cherokee country In Oklahoma, with Rose Sanders (r), Harold Gaines sister,who became Shirley’s attorney on the minority farmers law suit, Joyce Gaines, Harold’s wife, Kenyatta, his son, and Gus Townes (l), Harold’s friend, National Rural Fellows Graduate, now with the Montgomery Transportation Coalition in Alabama.
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RDLN Graduate and Board Vice Chair Shirley Sherrod was appointed Georgia Director for Rural Development by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on July 25. Only days earlier, she learned that New Communities, a group she founded with her husband and other families (see below) has won a thirteen million dollar settlement in the minority farmers law suit Pigford vs Vilsack.
In announcing the appointment of Shirley and other new officials, Secretary Vilsack said that "These individuals will be important advocates on behalf of rural communities in states throughout the country and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success."
Shirley is a graduate in the first group of RDLN Leaders and serves as Vice Chair of our Board of Directors. She earned her master's degree from Antioch through RDLN, has helped orient every group of RDLN participants, and has taken leadership in many other ways. She serves as Georgia lead for both the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund and the Southern Rural Black Women's Initiative (SRBWI).