Black Farmers Cultivating Change
Reclaiming land, legacy, and the future of food.
The connection between Black communities and the land runs deep, shaped by both resilience and resistance. For generations, tending the land has meant more than putting food on the table. It has been a means of survival, self-determination, and a way to preserve cultural traditions. Even as land was taken, opportunities were denied, and communities were pushed away by discriminatory policies and industrial farming, this connection never disappeared. Black farmers have held on to it, caring for the soil and passing down ancestral knowledge, often against considerable odds.
Today, a new generation is restoring their relationship with the land, rediscovering the healing power of ancestral practices, reclaiming knowledge, and creating new possibilities for the future At the heart of this movement is food sovereignty — the right of communities to access healthy, culturally meaningful food through sustainable practices, and the power to shape their own food systems. By blending ancestral wisdom with fresh vision, they’re making food sovereignty not just possible, but thriving. And what they’re growing extends beyond crops — they’re cultivating a movement for food justice and sustainable communities, one seed (or hive) at a time.
The community protects what we build because they’re part of it.
This Black History Month, we’re celebrating inspiring Black community leaders who are nurturing the next generation of farmers and growers, from Quebec to New York and California. Whether through urban gardens or regenerative farms, they are empowering communities to deepen their connection to the land and take ownership of their food systems, from seed to table.
We’re also proud to support this work by donating 1% of all our proceeds this month to Black Farmers Index, an organization dedicated to uplifting Black growers across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Join us as we honor their stories of passion, perseverance, and lasting impact.
Harlem Grown
One of Harlem Grown's 13 farms in Harlem, NY.
Harlem Grown began in 2011 with a simple but powerful idea — sparked by a child’s question. While volunteering at a Harlem elementary school, former businessman Tony Hillery saw firsthand the challenges local kids faced — limited resources, poor nutrition, and a lack of green spaces. "The neighborhood was dominated by fast food chains, convenience stores, and pharmacies, with little to no access to fresh, healthy produce," he recalls.
Across the street from the school was an abandoned lot. One day, a kindergartener named Nevaeh asked, "Why don’t we plant something?" That question planted the seed for what Harlem Grown would become. "We stumbled on something with elementary school kids," Tony explained. "They’ll try anything, and when they grow it themselves, they eat it right off the leaf. They take ownership, bring their parents in, and suddenly, it’s not just about food — it’s about pride." Tony rallied volunteers, and together with the students, they transformed the empty lot into a thriving urban farm.
What started as a single farm has since expanded into a movement. "We started with one farm. Now, we have 14," Tony said. "We’ve given away over 190,000 pounds of food. But it’s not just about access — it’s about education, cultural relevance, and making sure kids know what to do with fresh food."
Today, Harlem Grown provides hands-on education in farming, sustainability, and nutrition while tackling food insecurity head-on. And its impact goes far beyond food. "We don’t just grow fruits and vegetables; we grow minds," Tony emphasized. "That’s the hook. The real work is exposure, showing kids there’s a world beyond their bubble."
The organization also supports students by fostering leadership skills, exposing them to new opportunities, and even helping them pursue higher education through mentorship, academic guidance, and career development support. (More than 20 Harlem Grown students are now first-generation college attendees, with some pursuing master’s degrees.)
And at the heart of it all is community. "The community protects what we build because they’re part of it. No security, no fences, no theft — because everyone eats from here," Tony said. "We’re not fixing people; we’re giving them the tools to fix things themselves. The kids are the change-makers. We plant a lot of food, but we grow people — that’s the real harvest."
Hamidou Horticulture
The Goodee Team visiting Hamidou Horticulture in October 2024.
African eggplant and red okra growing in Quebec? This is a testament to Hamidou Maïga’s vision. Originally from Niger, the former accountant has embarked on a remarkable journey since settling in Montreal about 15 years ago — cultivating carefully selected plants from ancestral and African varieties and making them accessible to the community. After all, ‘foods originating from Africa are already staples on North American dining tables,' he points out.
'Like many Afro-descendants here, I was searching for fresh produce from the continent,' he explains. This personal experience of missing familiar flavors and ingredients is what motivated him to act. Having developed a deep connection to agriculture in his homeland, Hamidou pursued formal education in the field and founded Hamidou Horticulture to provide Montreal’s immigrant and Afro-descendant communities with culturally significant, but hard-to-find, produce. By making these fresh ingredients available, Hamidou Horticulture helps people reconnect with their heritage and preserve their cultural identity through food. At the heart of this work is something deeply familiar — the ability to bring traditional dishes to life. It’s about passing down flavors and aromas through generations, keeping cultural ties strong through food. Some of Hamidou Horticulture’s produce also goes to non-profits serving the African diaspora in Quebec, directly addressing food insecurity within these communities.
Hamidou is passionate about sharing his knowledge. Through a partnership with Concordia University, he teaches ancestral farming techniques — like composting, crop rotation, and intercropping — to keep the soil rich and healthy. He also runs hands-on training programs to help Afro-descendant families reconnect with agriculture in a meaningful way. For him, the direct transmission of ancestral knowledge is essential — a cornerstone of African cultures that ensures the continuity of traditions, values, and wisdom. ‘As a prominent African writer once said, “When an Elder dies, a library burns to the ground,”’ he emphasizes, underscoring the importance of passing knowledge to younger generations.
By growing food locally and sharing knowledge, Hamidou is contributing to something bigger: the Afro-Quebec Food Sovereignty movement. This movement empowers communities to take ownership of their food systems, building stronger, more resilient Black food systems. This is crucial for food security, especially in Canada's predominantly urban Black communities. His work is also helping to increase the visibility of Black farmers, a critical step toward greater representation in agriculture. And representation matters — it can influence policy, shift how resources are distributed, and drive more support for Black-led food initiatives. Ultimately, through his work, Hamidou is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive food system, one crop at a time.
EarthSeed Farm
The EarthSeed Farm team on the ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Peoples.
EarthSeed Farm is more than a place where things grow — it’s where healing, community, and the next generation of Black agricultural leaders take root. For Pandora Thomas, land stewardship is deeply personal. Her Afro-Indigenous heritage shapes everything she does, grounding the farm in a philosophy that honors ancestral wisdom and respects nature’s balance. This deep respect for the land directly informs EarthSeed’s approach to regenerative farming and sustainability.
Tucked away in Sonoma County, California, EarthSeed Farm is a sanctuary. Here, farmers and community members find restoration, reconnecting with the earth in ways that are both grounding and transformative. Pandora has seen firsthand how tending the land brings peace, how young people find their passion for agriculture, and how ancestral traditions continue to thrive. EarthSeed is a place where knowledge is passed down, stories are shared, and historical wounds begin to heal.
The need for this restorative work is heightened by the challenges of climate change. As climate change intensifies, the farm is adapting with intention, conserving water, growing drought-resistant crops, and nurturing soil that not only sustains harvests but also captures carbon. These efforts don’t just protect the farm’s future — they offer real-world lessons for the broader community.
Afro-Indigenous knowledge is woven into every aspect of EarthSeed. For Pandora, honoring these traditions is a responsibility. Through traditional farming methods and educational programs, the farm ensures that this invaluable wisdom continues to shape the future of agriculture.
Beyond its own fields, EarthSeed Farm supports other Black-led agricultural initiatives, sharing resources, collaborating on projects, and amplifying the voices of Black farmers. One recent initiative — a partnership with a local youth organization — led to the creation of a community garden, offering hands-on learning and access to fresh, nourishing food.
Looking ahead, Pandora envisions EarthSeed as a thriving hub for education, healing, and empowerment. She sees it playing a key role in the food justice movement, pushing for equitable access to land and resources while modeling a more just, sustainable food system. To her, success means expanding educational programs, reaching more people, and becoming a beacon for other Afro-Indigenous-centered farms.
Backland
Backland: An educational apiary and seasonal garden in upstate New York
In the rolling hills of upstate New York, Backland is changing what beekeeping looks like. Founded by artisan candlemaker Alysia Mazzella, this Black-led apiary and seasonal garden beautifully demonstrates the power of regenerative practices and community.
Alysia’s journey began with a simple candle. Intrigued by its warm glow, she realized she knew very little about its origins. This curiosity led her first to beeswax, and then, naturally, to the bees themselves. But as she entered the world of beekeeping, she noticed its overwhelming lack of diversity. She saw an opportunity to shift the narrative and build a space where people of color could engage with agriculture, learn the craft, and deepen their connection to the natural world.
At Backland, the focus is on restoring balance – between humans, bees, and the environment. Here, regenerative apiaries are a core principle, a way of rebuilding harmony with nature, and a model for community farming. By planting diverse crops, enriching the soil, and avoiding harmful chemicals, Backland’s beekeepers are creating a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem. Every hive becomes a small act of defiance against industrial farming, proving that food production can be both ethical and good for the planet.
At Backland, the focus is on restoring balance – between humans, bees, and the environment
More than just a farm, Backland is a gathering place, a space Alysia created to make everyone feel welcome. Beekeeping isn't just taught here; it's shared and passed down like a precious heirloom. Traditions aren’t just reclaimed — they’re re-rooted, evolving into living practices that nourish both people and the land. And as future agricultural leaders find their calling, they’re reclaiming an inheritance — of knowledge, stewardship, and a legacy that is theirs to shape.
Backland is really an open invitation — to learn, get involved, and help shape a future where farming is rooted in care, sustainability, and community.
Soul Fire Farm
Also in upstate New York, not far from Albany, Soul Fire Farm is a diverse, nonprofit organic farm working to empower Black and Brown farmers — and those aspiring to be — to reclaim food sovereignty. Rooted in Afro-Indigenous traditions, it serves as a vital training ground for farmers of color, using regenerative practices that not only sustain people but also heal the land.
We’re excited to connect with Cheryl Whilby, Co-Executive Director of Communications & Development, to hear firsthand about the transformative work happening at Soul Fire Farm. Stay tuned — we'll share this story with you next week!
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. This February, we're donating 1% of all our proceeds to Black Farmers Index to further support Black growers across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
Discover more Black farmers and agricultural stewards: The Ron Finley Project, Rise & Root Farm, UJAMAA Farms, YES Farm.
About Alexia Jacquot
More Good Stories
Choosing Gifts with Meaning with Architectural Designer Mitchell Sweibel
For this Montreal-based Architectural Designer, the art of giving is as intentional as his design philosophy — here’s how he selects gifts that resonate.
