Reclaiming Our Right to the Earth: An Inspiring Conversation with Leah Penniman

✨Soul Fire Farm is on a mission to reclaim the inherent right of black and brown people to belong to the earth and have agency in the food system.

🌱The food system is riddled with racism and white supremacy, with 98% of land by value being white-owned.

🌍Leah Penniman and Soul Fire Farm are training a new generation of black and brown farmers, empowering them to create positive change in the food system.

🌽Soul Fire Farm integrates ancestral crops and traditional farming practices with modern techniques, creating a unique and powerful approach to sustainable agriculture.

🔥The visibility and awareness around the issues of race and the food system, as well as the interest in farming, have grown significantly in recent years.

What is the mission of Soul Fire Farm?

—Soul Fire Farm aims to reclaim the inherent right of black and brown people to belong to the earth and have agency in the food system.

What are the challenges faced by people of color in the food system?

—People of color face systemic racism and white supremacy in the food system, including limited access to land and resources, wage theft, and disproportionate rates of hunger and diet-related illnesses.

How is Soul Fire Farm creating positive change?

—Soul Fire Farm is training and empowering a new generation of black and brown farmers, providing them with the skills and support to make a difference in the food system.

What is the significance of ancestral crops?

—Ancestral crops hold cultural and historical importance and reconnect people with their heritage. Soul Fire Farm integrates these crops into their farming practices, preserving traditions and strengthening cultural connections.

How has awareness around race and the food system changed?

—There has been increased visibility and awareness around racial inequities in the food system, as well as a growing interest in farming and sustainable agriculture.

00:06Leah Penniman, co-director and farm manager of Soul Fire Farm, joins Bevin Clare on "Meet The Herbalist" to discuss the mission of reclaiming the right of black and brown people to the earth and the food system.

10:33Leah highlights the racial inequities in the food system, including land ownership, mistreatment of farm workers, and disparities in access to food.

13:31Soul Fire Farm is training a new generation of black and brown farmers, empowering them to create positive change in the food system.

12:42Ancestral crops and traditional farming practices play a significant role in Soul Fire Farm's approach to sustainable agriculture.

13:55There has been an increased awareness around race and the food system, as well as a growing interest in farming and sustainable agriculture.