Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference
| Black Farmers & Urban Gardeners Conference | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Agricultural, Food Jstice |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Venue | Varies |
| Location(s) | United States |
| Inaugurated | 2010 |
| Founders | Karen Washington, Regina Ginyard, Lorrie Clevenger |
| Website | blackurbangrowers.org |
The Black Farmers & Urban Gardeners Conference (BUGs) is an annual event focused on food justice, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment in Black communities across the United States. Founded in 2010 by Karen Washington and Regina Ginyard, Lorrie Clevenger, and others, the conference provides a platform for Black farmers, urban gardeners, activists, educators, and policymakers to collaborate on agricultural sustainability.[1]
History
[edit]The conference was established as a response to challenges faced by Black farmers and urban growers, including land loss, food insecurity, and limited access to agricultural resources. Karen Washington, a food justice advocate, and Regina Ginyard, a community organizer, and Lorrie Clevenger are co-founders following discussions held at the Northeast Organic Farming Association convening.[2].[3] The conference was created to create a space for networking, education, and advocacy.[4]
The first conference, held in 2010 in Brooklyn, New York, featured Will Allen as the first keynote speaker and drew more than 500 attendees.[5] Allen, a MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipient and founder of Growing Power, emphasized sustainable food systems and urban farming. The conference has expanded to different cities across the U.S., that relate to regional agricultural concerns, knowledge sharing among Black farmers and food.[5]
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As of 2023, the conference was the largest of its kind dedicated to Black agriculture.[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/20/black-farmers-trump-usda-budget-cuts
- ^ Penniman, Leah (2018-10-31). "Why Farming Is an Act of Defiance For People of Color". Bon Appétit. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ "The Bronx Agrarian". Plough. 2023-04-30. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ https://www.nyc.gov/events/2013-black-farmers-and-urban-gardeners-conference/8501/2
- ^ a b Danielle, Melissa (2010-12-02). "A Place For Us: The Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference". Civil Eats. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ Uriarte, Alessandra (2023-10-18). "The Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference Comes to PA". Food Tank. Retrieved 2025-04-01.