The Delta Grassroots Caucus (DGC) is a broad coalition of grassroots leaders in the eight-state Delta region. DGC is also a founding partner of the Economic Equality Caucus,
which advocates for economic equality across the USA.

Tribute to a True-Blue Trooper for the Delta: Harvey Joe Sanner

Posted on February 03, 2025 at 01:46 PM

Tribute to a True-Blue Trooper for the Greater Delta Region: Harvey Joe Sanner

The Greater Delta Region lost a veteran true-blue trooper with the passing of Harvey Joe Sanner of Des Arc, Arkansas.

Harvey Joe Sanner tirelessly advocated for family farmers, the Greater Delta Region as a whole, infrastructure improvements, economic growth, and the fight against hunger and poverty.

A half-century of grassroots advocacy: Harvey Joe was president of the American Agriculture Movement, a stalwart partner of the 8-state Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus, an activist for the Democratic Party at state, local and national levels, and a friend and loyal supporter of prominent Arkansas leaders including Gov. and then President Bill Clinton, US Sen. Dale Bumpers, US Sen. David Pryor, Congressman Bill Alexander, and many others.

Tractorcade: In 1979, Harvey Joe Sanner was one of less than 3,000 farmers from all over the country who drove their tractors to Washington, DC to call attention to the national government the dire economic plight of many family farmers in America.

One of Harvey Joe’s sons, Matt Sanner of Searcy, Arkansas, said to the Delta Caucus that “He was the very greatest dad and man, and I still aspire to be like him.” Many other leaders from across the region expressed similar sentiments and several of them are quoted below in this message.

Opening up markets for farmers: He was a strong and knowledgeable advocate for developing trade–especially in food and medicine–between the United States and Cuba. He believed–accurately, in our view–that the embargo did not change Cuban policy domestically or internationally, prevented the Cuban people from gaining access to nutritious American farm products, and deprived American producers of substantial markets in Cuba.

Sanner traveled to Cuba to meet in person with then Cuban leader Fidel Castro to discuss the economic benefits to both countries of opening up trade. The Arkansas was a member of a family that included generations of farmers. He often pointed out that Arkansas’ prolific rice farmers would be among the greatest beneficiaries of trade to Cuba.

He emphasized that opening up trade in food and medicine would benefit both countries, and would of course not provide the Cubans with any materials that might have any military potential.

Sanner had great political courage and would stand his ground on the issues regardless of whether it was controversial or not. One poignant example was his constant, outspoken support for Congressman Alexander when he was sharply criticized in right-wing quarters for calling for farm and medicine trade to Cuba.

Delta Caucus Director Lee Powell said “Harvey Joe Sanner was a stalwart, knowledgeable and effective advocate for the Greater Delta’ community and economic progress. He was a strong presence at every Delta Caucus meeting and most other public policy meetings in Arkansas and other Delta states for over 50 years. He will greatly be missed.”

Powell recalled that his father, James O. Powell, who was editorial editor and later senior columnist of the old Arkansas Gazette from 1959 to 1987, referred to the “ubiquitous” Harvey Joe Sanner, because he was always there at every public policy meeting for half a century.

Powell added that “Harvey Joe was a very intelligent man who was probably one of the few people in Arkansas who knew what the word ‘ubiquitous’ meant” (just kidding).

Powell recalled that in the mid-2000s at a packed Delta Caucus in the Clinton School of Public Service, President Clinton rose to speak, saw HJS in the crowd and immediately called out to him, “Hey, Harvey Joe”–he was one in a crowd of 100 people singled out for that heart-felt greeting.

Powell, a former aide to Rep. Alexander, recalled that when the Congressman was Chief Deputy Majority Whip and senior member of the Appropriations Committee, “Harvey Joe was a constant supporting presence for Alexander, who deeply appreciated his loyalty and advocacy for their mutual causes.”

Harry Truman Moore, attorney in northeast Arkansas, trusted friend and adviser to President Bill Clinton, Congressman Bill Alexander and other Arkansas leaders, said “Harvey Joe Sanner was one of the true believers and stalwart advocates for the Delta’s progress for many years.”

Kevin Smith, former aide to Gov. Bill Clinton on the Lower Mississippi Delta Development Commission, Arkansas senator, businessman and regional leader based in Helena, Arkansas, said “I knew Harvey Joe Sanner since the 1980s, as he fought at every opportunity to give a voice in particular to the every-day row crop farmers in Arkansas, and in general to stand up for the Delta region.”

Smith said “Harvey Joe is a hero of the Delta region. He worked closely with the late US senators Dale Bumpers and David Pryor and they were crazy about him as an advocate for agriculture and the Delta economy.”

Smith said “His impact and legacy might not ever be appreciated by many people who don’t know what he did for our state and region, but he didn’t do it for the recognition. He just loved the land and the people.”

Wilson Golden, Presidential appointee in the Clinton administration, Delta Caucus senior adviser, attorney, Mississippi native now residing in Georgia, said, “Harvey Joe Sanner was there every time the Delta Caucus met or the Clinton administration held a meeting in the region. He was always going to bat for the Delta in his common-sense, down-home style.”

Harvey Joe Sanner was 81. He was predeceased by: his parents, Joe Roscoe and Gladys Mae Chandler Sanner of Des Arc; and his brother Buddy Otis Sanner.

He is survived by: his wife Marilyn Burnett of Des Arc; his sons, Kelly Sanner of Des Arc and Matt Sanner of Searcy; his stepsons, Rodney Burnett (Sondra) of Cabot and Gary Burnett; and his brothers, Jim Sanner and Steve Sanner of Des Arc. He is also survived by five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and five step grandchildren.