Descendants Fight Against Grain Terminal in Historically Black town in Louisiana's Cancer Alley

In St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, sisters Jo and Dr. Joy Banner are fighting to prevent a 222-acre grain export facility from being built near their property, close to historic sites and where their ancestors were enslaved over 200 years ago. The proposed Greenfield Wallace Grain Export Facility has been a point of contention for nearly two years, with the Descendants Project opposing the project due to concerns about industrialization and heritage preservation. The Banners fear the industrialization of the area will destroy the heritage and historical significance of the West Bank. Greenfield Louisiana LLC, the company behind the grain terminal, has faced opposition from the local community and the Parish Council. Despite reassurances from Greenfield about safety and environmental considerations, the Banners and their supporters remain steadfast in their efforts to protect their land and heritage. The Banners have moved a plantation house to their property in an attempt to preserve their history and prevent industrial development. The Army Corps is overseeing the permitting process for the proposed facility, ensuring that all stakeholders are heard. Greenfield has emphasized community engagement and safety measures in their plans, including precautions to protect any historical artifacts or remains that may be discovered during construction. The Banners, through their nonprofit work, aim to create a network of historic communities and economic opportunities while advocating for the preservation of their ancestral land. The ongoing battle between the Banners and Greenfield highlights the complex intersection of development, heritage preservation, and community activism in St. John the Baptist Parish. With concerns about industrial encroachment on historically significant areas, the fight to keep the grain export facility at bay reflects a broader struggle to balance progress with the protection of cultural legacies and ancestral ties in the region.