Food for us, by us!
Black people have always been connected to the land. For thousands of years before colonization we found ways of cultivating crops on the continent with domesticated rice being used as early as 6000 BC. However, in the United States Black farmers have lost significant land due to systemic racism. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture the number of Black farmers is down to 1% from 15% just a century ago. Nonetheless, like Maya Angelou said, still we rise! Both urban and rural farmers from our communities are creating spaces for Black people to return to our roots and grow our own food.
Here are some Black farmers on Instagram that you can follow to learn or be inspired! We know we’ve missed some, so tag your faves in the comments!
advertisementView this post on Instagramwe got you on the fruits herbs and veggies for sure⠀ ⠀ : @erika_r_allen
A post shared by bweza (@bweza) on
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View this post on InstagramadvertisementA post shared by Afro-Vegan Society (@afrovegansociety) on
advertisementView this post on InstagramA post shared by Bontanical Bri (@botanically_bri_) on
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View this post on InstagramadvertisementA post shared by MS Association of Cooperatives (@msassociationofcooperatives) on
advertisementView this post on InstagramA post shared by Farms Farmers (@f.a.r.m.s) on
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View this post on InstagramEssential workers✊ ♻️✊ …#gojiberries & #bitterleaf planted ✅
advertisementA post shared by NEW BROOKLYN FARMS (@newbrooklynfarms) on
advertisementView this post on InstagramA post shared by Clara Coleman (@realfarmercare) on
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How can you help Black farmers?
- Consider donating unused land or space for them to use.
- Buy from Black farmers at your local markets and around your city.
- Find nonprofits like the National Black Farmers Association and charities that are there to help them.
- Use your social media platforms to spread the word to your community.
Keep it growing, everyone!
Photo Credit: @bweza/@afrovegansociety/@ronfinleyhq/@botanically_bri_/@sankofafarms/@msassociationofcooperatives/@f.a.r.m.s/@newbrooklynfarms/@real.at.tiffanys/@realfarmercare/