GLUCKSTADT - The Rev. Jesse Jackson says eminent domain proceedings being used by Mississippi to acquire land from some Madison County residents for a Nissan plant are unjust.
The Rainbow/Push Coalition leader said Thursday that black landowners were offered significantly less money than white landowners as Mississippi acquires land for a plant being built north of Jackson.
Jackson visited the home of Lonzo Archie, whose family owns part of a 27-acre plot the state is trying to acquire.
"The people here want to welcome Nissan, not be chased away by Nissan," Jackson said.
Jackson said the families are not against bringing the $930 million manufacturing plant to the area; they are against the state's use of eminent domain proceedings, which allows a state to seize private land for public purposes.
The families of Andrew Archie, Lonzo Archie and Percy Bouldin have been in a land fight with the state since February. They claim the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority did not negotiate a settlement in good faith during eminent domain proceedings.
Last week, Madison County Judge William Agin ruled the state could take possession of a portion of 27 acres it claims is vital for the plant.
Agin said the state can't grab all of the property it sought from landowners and their families.
The eminent domain cases also have drawn interest from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
"Eminent domain allows you to take land without (offering) market value," Jackson said.
Lonzo Archie said Jackson's involvement provides more than just moral support to the families.
"Sometimes you need someone that they'll listen to, because they sure won't listen to us," Archie said.
Jackson said he hoped to meet with Nissan officials Thursday, but they chose not to come to Mississippi. Instead, Jackson said, he and some landowners will meet with company officials in Chicago today.
"I think what Nissan must do is pay landowners, white and black, fair prices," Jackson said.
He also said the state should offer the option of leasing the land from the owners.
Several legislators, lawyers, ministers and other local leaders met with Jackson early Thursday at a restaurant near the state Capitol.
Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, said lawmakers want what's best for the state and its residents. "We have always been careful to say that the eminent domain proceedings that are in question are a matter for the courts to decide and that we want the most amicable settlement possible for both the white and the black landowners," Horhn said.
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