Juneteenth and the Shifting Narrative of Black Agriculture
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a significant holiday celebrated in the United States on June 19th. Within the Black community, Juneteenth holds an important cultural and historical significance, and it is intricately connected to the legacy of Black agriculture. For many Black farmers, Juneteenth and the struggle to gain complete control of their land and agricultural enterprises are directly related.
Freedom and farming are not only synonymous, but symbiotic in their relationship with one another. With this understanding, emancipation from enslavement, rooted in the fields of agriculture, is the undercurrent of many utilizing the work of developing sustainable food ways.
Present day, Black farmers are working to shift the narrative long associated with Black farming in this country. Healing from historical trauma connected to our ancestor’s forced labor, Black farmers continue to forge a new narrative that’s rooted in empowerment, autonomy, resilience and self determination.
Black people have a special and ancestral connection with nature and with the land. It’s in our DNA. In our connection with the earth, we receive the wisdom and guidance of our ancestors. We are farming not only for nutrition, but for our own spiritual nourishment, connection and self determination.
Join our Connecting with the Land is in Our DNA Campaign!
On Juneteenth, we continue to pay homage to the sacrifice, bloodshed and resilience of our ancestors and help to drive Black food and farming futures forward. Since 2010, the National Black Farmers & Urban Gardeners (BUGs) has helped to build community and knowledge for Black growers.
For the next 6 weeks, we’re rolling out a scholarship drive for Juneteenth! Each Monday, you will receive a new email newsletter with a story featuring a Black grower and the impact the BUGs conference has had on them.
We’re working to raise a goal of $15,000. Your generous donation will help provide travel and housing scholarships to over 100 economically challenged Black students, farmers and other individuals to attend this year’s Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners (BUGs) National Conference in Philadelphia, PA. Help us reach our goal!
Show your support for BUGs Connecting with the Land is in Our DNA Campaign!