Local evangelist Robert Binion said he is still fighting for money owed to black farmers as part of a national lawsuit.

Binion said he has addressed more than 2,500 people in the past few weeks about black farmers discrimination litigation, and has scheduled an upcoming meeting in Clanton.

The federal courts gave final approval to the settlement on Oct. 27, 2011, providing more than $1 billion to settle claims by black farmers that the USDA discriminated against them between 1981 and 1996 based on race, wrongfully denying them farm loans, loan servicing, and other benefits, or giving them loans with unfair terms.

The deadline to file a claim for the settlement passed in 2012, but Binion said there are still farmers who are owed money but haven’t received payments.

Binion said a meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sept. 19 at the pavilion at E.M. Henry Park in Clanton.

He said he has invited gospel singing groups, attorneys and claimants, and that he expects more than 1,000 people in attendance.

Binion said the next step will be to take a caravan of black farmers to Washington D.C. to demand the payments.

“I feel like they’re going to address it,” he said. “This thing will be over by January.”

A $10 donation will be requested at the singing to help cover the costs of transportation to the capitol, Binion said.

Information about the settlement is available through the toll-free number of its claims administrator, 1-877-810-8110.