African Americans, like any other migrant or immigrant group moving from rural, farming communities to cities, have over time lost touch with their rural roots and rural knowledge and skills. In addition, a combination of the economic downturn in 2008, the continued
explosion in the health problems of urban dwellers, blight in the urban core of
former manufacturing centers in what is now called the rust belt, and other
factors has lead to a resurgence of people planting vegetable gardens and
orchards in many cities in America.
Two people responsible for educating the public on the
importance of urban farming and implementing programs in support of this work
are First Lady Michelle Obama and Urban Farmer Extraordinaire Will Allen. Michelle Obama turned a portion
of the White House gardens into a place where not only could the White Chef and
Kitchen use the bounty, but a place where children could be brought in to
plant, harvest, learn about, and eat homegrown healthy food. This demonstration garden has set an example
for home gardeners around the country. To highlight the successes of the White House gardens and kitchen, Mrs. Obama has written a book, American Grown, which can be purchased here.
Will Allen grew up on a farm in Rockville, Maryland, went
off to college and a brief basketball career, before returning to his wife’s
hometown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and pursuing a corporate career. The parents of Allen’s wife, Cindy, owned a
farm just south of Milwaukee where Allen
did some farming, selling the excess produce at farmers’ markets.
The beginning of what was to become Will Allen’s life’s work
occurred when he purchased a derelict nursery. Thus began Growing Power, Inc., an organization dedicated to bringing agricultural knowledge to
the inner city.
Growing Power has set up urban farms in a number of American cities, involving
youth, the elderly, the poor, the enthusiastic. People have learned about
aquaponics, composting, bee keeping, vertical integration in farm
systems. Research is being conducted by locals, amateurs, and food scientists
alike. There are regional training centers around the country
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| Will Allen with youth |
Will Allen speaks around the country to community groups
establishing urban farms, such as the seven-acre Beacon Food Forest in Seattle, the largest of its kind in the US. His enthusiasm has encouraged the US
Department of Agriculture in its efforts to bring healthy, fresh produce to
fresh food “deserts”. University students, such as those at the University of Washington, have created
on-campus farms. This interest in urban farming is found in
apartment window boxes and rooftops; empty lots; home renters’ and owners’
gardens; community allotments; derelict factories. Will Allen has sown the seeds of empowerment,
helping people re-learn that most basic of human skills: how to properly feed
oneself and one’s community.
