The story of Courtney and Nicole Mallery, Black ranchers in El Paso County, Colorado, is a modern-day reflection of the systemic challenges Black people in America have faced for generations.
Courtney and Nicole Mallery obtained their 1,000-acre Freedom Acres Ranch in El Paso County, Colorado, in 2020. This marked the beginning of their efforts to build a sustainable ranching operation.
Their fight to protect Freedom Acres Ranch from harassment and intimidation highlights a recurring theme in the history of Black land ownership: the struggle to secure and safeguard land in a society where justice has often been unequal.
The Mallerys’ story is rooted in this long history of inequity. Their 1,000-acre Freedom Acres Ranch symbolizes much more than a piece of land; it represents the resilience, hope, and determination of a people who have fought to preserve their place in America. However, their journey has been marked by acts of intimidation, including vandalism, trespassing, and even violence against their livestock.
These tactics are not new; they mirror the intimidation and violence used against Black landowners throughout history. The Mallerys have also encountered resistance from local authorities, highlighting another persistent issue: the unequal application of justice.
Despite reporting incidents of harassment and violence, they feel unsupported by the local sheriff’s office and accuse certain officials of being complicit in their mistreatment. This lack of protection reinforces the need for Black communities to develop strategies to defend their rights and property.
Mr and Mrs. Courtney and Nicole Mallery, became central figures in a highly publicized legal and social battle in 2023. Their arrest on February 6, 2023, followed allegations of felony stalking, tampering with a utility meter, and petty theft, stemming from ongoing disputes with a neighboring property owner. These accusations, lodged by their neighbor(s), revolved around property boundaries and easement rights, but the situation quickly escalated into mutual claims of harassment and racial discrimination.
The Mallerys, who had previously reported instances of vandalism, trespassing, and threats against them, argued that their arrest was part of a broader campaign of intimidation targeting them as Black ranchers in a predominantly white rural community. Their plight garnered national attention, as civil rights advocates and community organizers raised concerns about potential racial bias in the handling of their case.
In May 2023, the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office dismissed all charges against the Mallerys. The decision came after prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence and a lack of credible witnesses to proceed with the case. This legal victory followed intense public scrutiny, with organizations and individuals highlighting the challenges faced by Black landowners and the racial disparities that persist in rural areas.
Despite the legal resolution, the Mallerys continued to report harassment and intimidation, underscoring the ongoing difficulties Black farmers face in securing and maintaining their land. Their experience has become a symbol of the broader struggle for justice and equity in landownership, bringing renewed attention to the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black Americans.
The Mallerys’ case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance, community support, and systemic reform to address these inequities. As their story continues to unfold, it highlights the importance of protecting Black landowners from targeted harassment and ensuring that the justice system upholds the rights of all citizens, regardless of race.
From the moment enslaved Africans were emancipated, land ownership became a critical symbol of freedom and self-sufficiency. During Reconstruction, newly freed Black Americans pursued landownership as a way to secure economic independence and protect their families from exploitation.
Promises like the famous “40 acres and a mule” gave hope, but these were quickly rescinded, leaving Black families to navigate an unjust system. Despite systemic obstacles, Black farmers built thriving communities in places like Tulsa’s Greenwood District, commonly known as Black Wall Street, and agricultural hubs throughout the South.
However, these successes were often met with violent backlash, as seen in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and countless other instances of land theft, intimidation, and fraudulent practices designed to strip Black people of their property.
By the mid-20th century, policies like redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and systemic exclusion from government farming programs further eroded Black land ownership.
Today, Black farmers represent less than 2% of America’s farmers, a dramatic decline from the early 1900s when they accounted for 14%.
The Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s words ring true when he said, “Acquire land. Own something. It is better to buy land than to buy automobiles or fancy clothes. Land is the basis of independence.” This call to action emphasizes the importance of landownership as a means of self-determination and empowerment—a lesson that remains relevant in the fight for justice and equity today.
Historically, Black landowners have been forced to navigate legal systems that often work against them. Securing clear titles, wills, and trusts is essential to protect property from fraudulent claims and disputes. Strengthening community bonds and organizing collective resources can also provide a buffer against external threats.
The Honorable Elijah Muhammad once declared, “Do for self and kind. Build for self and kind. Protect what you build for yourself and kind.” These words underscore the necessity of creating systems of protection and accountability within the Black community.
Organizations like the Federation of Southern Cooperatives have played a critical role in helping Black farmers fight land loss through education, legal support, and advocacy.
Advocacy for systemic reforms, such as stronger anti-discrimination laws and fair access to government programs, is critical. Federal initiatives like the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program are a step in the right direction but must be expanded and enforced.
At the same time, self-sufficient practices, such as sustainable farming and local markets, can reduce reliance on systems that have historically excluded Black farmers.
The Mallerys’ experience reveals a harsh truth: justice in America is often unevenly applied. Whether it’s the lack of accountability for those who harass Black landowners or the systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to resources, the Black community must constantly confront these inequities.
As The Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught, “Justice will never come from the one who denied it in the first place. You must establish it for yourself.” This reality underscores the importance of self-reliance and vigilance to ensure the safety and sustainability of Black landownership.
The fight for landownership and justice is far from over. The Mallerys’ story is not just their own; it is a chapter in the ongoing narrative of Black resilience and determination.
Their struggle calls on all of us to support efforts to protect Black landowners, demand fair treatment, and address the systemic issues that continue to marginalize Black communities.
As we reflect on history, we are reminded that land ownership has always been a cornerstone of freedom and progress for Black people in America. Protecting that legacy requires learning from the past, preparing for the future, and standing united against injustice.
The Mallerys’ fight for Freedom Acres Ranch is not just about preserving their land—it’s about preserving the dignity, rights, and aspirations of an entire community. However, history has shown that landownership alone is not enough; it must be protected and leveraged strategically.
The Mallerys’ resilience in protecting Freedom Acres Ranch underscores the importance of approaching landownership with a strategic mindset. By learning from history, taking proactive measures, and remaining vigilant, Black Americans can ensure that landownership continues to be a tool for justice, equity, and generational growth.
References:
• Muhammad, Elijah. Message to the Blackman in America. Muhammad’s Temple of Islam,
Pages 220 - 224. To get the official book Message To The Blackman by The Honorable Elijah Muhammad visit: www.noi.org
• “Colorado Black Farmers Accuse Sheriff of Harassment, Threats,” Ark Republic, 2024.
• “The Decline of Black Farmers in America,” Federation of Southern Cooperatives, 2024.
• “Tulsa Race Massacre: Legacy of Black Wall Street,” Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, 2023.
• “Black Farmers and Systemic Inequities,” U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2024.
• “Charges Dropped Against Black Ranchers in El Paso County,” Denver7, 2023.
• “Colorado Black Farmers Cleared of Felony Stalking Charges,” CBS News, 2023.
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