Join us for a viewing of Farming While Black, a feature-length documentary film which examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the United States. Learn more about the rising generation reclaiming their rightful ownership to land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots at this upcoming event.
Campus and community members are invited to this free watch party on Tuesday, March 26 from 6-7:30pm in the Freeman Auditorium at the HUB-Robeson Center.
Black farmers owned 14% of all American farmland in 1910. As a result of racism, discrimination, and dispossession, that number dropped below 2%. The film chronicles Leah Penniman, co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, and two other Black farmers’ efforts to reclaim their agricultural heritage.
Penniman’s Soul Fire Farm cohorts help propel a rising generation finding strength in the deep historical knowledge of African Agrarianism. Penniman’s mission in creating Soul Fire Farm was to end racism in the food system and reclaim her ancestral connection to land.
The work of Penniman and Soul Fire Farm has been recognized by the Soros Racial Justice Fellowship, Fulbright Program, Pritzker Environmental Genius Award, James Beard Leadership Award, and more.
This event is being hosted by the Sustainable Food Systems Network (SFSN) and the Student Farm Club.
“With this film screening, we aim to spark a crucial dialogue by posing the question: ‘Can Afro-Indigenous regenerative agricultural practices be the solution to climate change?’,” said Sylvie Alexander, event planner of this screening.
The film aims to create greater support for Afro-Indigenous Food Sovereignty, such as Soul Fire Farm, Black Dirt Farm Collective, and Rise & Root Farm.
We hope you’ll join us March 26 for a viewing of this impactful film, relevant for anyone passionate about food systems and Black Agrarianism. Those who plan on attending can park their cars in the HUB parking deck at an hourly rate.