The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) of 1933 was passed to help support cotton prices by reducing  production.

Government support checks were paid to farmers to offset the loss of income, due to plowed up cotton. Checks were made payable only to landowners, who were supposed to share income with tenants. Many did not, however, and abuse was widespread.

With less land in cotton production, the need for tenant farmers was reduced. Some tenant farmers had the option of eviction or becoming day labors, who were not eligible for support payments.

Tenant farmers searching for ways to improve their miserable living conditions turned for help to two Tyronza businessmen, H. L. Mitchell and Clay East.