Rooted and Rising: Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference, November 10-12, 2017, Atlanta GA
By Tricia Woolbright
Part 1: Farm Tours!
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Black Farmers Urban Gardeners Conference in Atlanta, Georgia with Matthew Dollan, Americorps, Dee Campbell-Carter, Community Gardens and food teacher organizer, and Kira Kirk, CCUA intern. It was an eye-opening experience, and I wanted to share some of what we learned.
On Friday, Nov 10 we toured 7 black owned and managed Urban Farms in various neighborhoods around Atlanta.
Built on the property of an abandoned motel, this diversified crop farm sells food and seedlings to the neighborhood. The motel pool is filled with lily pads and other aquatic plants, and there is a large perennial native and fruit tree garden. In addition to welcoming tours – including school field trips - Urban Sprouts has space for parties and outdoor movies, and they are building a stage to encourage community gatherings. They have a “food bucks” program for low income families, and are hoping to become an entrepreneurial hub in the neighborhood.
That evening we ate at The Sweet Auburn Curb Market - a daily farmers’ market that features a food-court style collection of different cultural restaurants, including soul food, Jamaican, pho, and lots more. It was delicious! There, we connected with other conference attendees who wanted information on our Opportunity Gardens program. We finished the day with a house party for the conference attendees that included soul food, delicious “sweet potato kiss” mixed drinks, awesome music and a bon fire. At the party, we had the chance to participate in a story telling video series for people to get on camera and tell their farm story. Next Up: The conference!