Edible Activist Podcast (Melissa L. Jones)

After an inspiring edible visit with The Black Suburban Homesteaders, we sit down with Francois and Shanna to have an honest conversation on how they are coping during the global crisis. In this episode, Shanna unpacks the concept of rage planting which they found themselves indulged in, making space for every seed-bearing plant (talk about tomatoes out the wazoo), as a way to channel their frustration in the midst of racial tension. Francois also transparently shares the realities of being tethered to their home, while building businesses, maintaining their homestead (+ two other sites), and raising a family. Tune in! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Humanity and environmentalism go hand-in-hand. And for Detroit Dirt's founder, Pashon Murray, the two remain at the center of her mission! In this episode, Pashon paints her story of witnessing entrepreneurship at an early age with her dad who owned a landscaping business. This experience ultimately led her down a path of discovery, lobbying, and eventually birthing a compost company. We unpack Detroit Dirt's business model, talk climate + food, address food insecurity, and discuss showing up in a white space, as a black woman, authentically. Tap in! Sponsored by Hello Fresh.

 

At the start of spring, The Green Scheme family would have been outdoors and in the gardens with the D.C. youth, but plans have shifted as the world takes precautions and practices social distancing. Co-founder, Ronnie Webb, and his amazing team run The Green Scheme, a dynamic organization that is "changing the scene" with a mission to bridge communities and empower youth to live healthy and sustainable lives. In this episode, Ronnie talks about making lemonade out of lemons and how they are utilizing the virtual space to keep the youth growing. "They will be teaching their parents," says Ronnie! Tune in to hear more about the creative changes they are implementing to keep the health marathon moving and much more! Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Sponsored by Giant.

In this brief snippet, Grandma Catherine and her granddaughter, Melissa L. Jones chow on muscadines and talk about this seedy and tangy fruit that Grandma would forage in Butler, Alabama. She'll make you chuckle! Want the full clip? Join our community at patreon.com/fodtalksncolor.com

Join us on our podcast as we catch up with Dominique Charles of Plots & Pans and dive into her latest adventures. We fondly reminisce about her Louisiana upbringing, sharing cherished memories of bonding over tractor rides with her grandad. Dominique generously imparts valuable gardening advice tailored for enthusiasts gearing up for the season. And to add some flavor to the mix, she shares delectable recipes straight from her kitchen, along with her favorite garden delights (get ready for a garden party!). We spotlight the concept of homegrown, celebrating the incredible contributions of black women in food & agriculture, with a special tribute to Dominique's role model, B. Smith. Plus, join in the excitement as Dominique returns to the Today Show, sharing her gardening expertise with a wide audience. Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, inspiration, and a sprinkle of culinary delights!

What do you do when dad purchases a plot of land and says this is your legacy? You transform it into a little green space for growing food! After taking a sabbatical from her teaching job in New York City, Marilyn Griffin returned to Detroit where she would end up diving all the way into her genealogy. In 2020, Marilyn started Griffin Gardens and coincidentally made the decision to remain in the 'D' when the pandemic hit. This episode reveals some fascinating findings about her family lineage, Marilyn talks educating youth about knowing where they come from, and of course we dig into her garden and what she has learned during the process. Tap in! 

Sponsored by Hello Fresh.

Join us for this episode as we welcome LaMonika Jones as the new director at DC Hunger Solutions. LaMonika shares her journey combating hunger in Washington, D.C., stressing the importance of avoiding silos in food and advocating for a comprehensive system approach. Our conversation explores the intersection of agriculture in her ambitious agenda, shedding light on the essence of ending hunger. LaMonika passionately emphasizes collaboration, highlighting the significance of working with local officials, advocates, organizational partners, and the community. Join us as we connect the dots between activism, agriculture, and the relentless pursuit of ending hunger in the dynamic landscape of our nation's capital. Let's dive into this insightful dialogue without further ado!

The scent of tobacco, along with memories of grandma and granddaddy Arthur tend to the land isn't distant at all for Tonya Peele. As a child, the North Carolina native, gardener, and avid photographer watched her beloved grandparents plant tobacco, corn and other crops from the back of their pickup truck on the Carolina fields. So her love for the land is a natural expression of reverence for the legacy of farmers and sharecroppers down her lineage. In this episode, we zoom in on Tonya's family story, and her platforms: Plant & Shoot and The Zen Camera Club, which she founded as a self-care practice to meditate by photographing nature. Tonya believes that meditation isn't for everyone, however, she notes that our still focus can serve as a channel for zen. *This episode was pre-recorded.* Tune in! Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Sponsored by Giant.

 

FishScale restaurant owner, Chef Brandon Williams, wants future generations to enjoy the "fruits of the sea." Oceans plagued by environmental waste and overfishing cause harm to our eco-system that many consumers don't feel the affects of. In this episode, Chef Brandon breaks down wild caught vs. farm-raised fish, how his mom influenced his mouth-watering fish burger concept, and the stereotypes he faces as a black restaurant owner who is source-conscious. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Need a jolt of energy or some good vibes? In need of healing? Calabash, the award-winning plant-based tea shop, is the ultimate immune booster of the city. Founded at the hem of her activist parents and elders, Calabash's founder and operator, Sunyatta Amen, has cultivated a beautiful hub for healing in Washington, D,C. In this episode, Sunyatta takes us back to her parents Harlem-based herbal shop in the 70s, she discusses the divide from our agrarian history, shares her perspective on the food service industry, and educates us on five herbs that everyone should have in their home! Tune in! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Meet Senteria: cyber security professional by day, full-time mom to a teenage boy 365, and the sibling of Melissa L. Jones. In this episode, Melissa chats with her (very animated) sister about her balcony gardening experience this year, the first time she's ever attempted to grow anything. She now has hot peppers springing forth, tomatoes trying to make their way, and some new plant-friends. Senteria claims she has "green hands, not thumbs" (haaaa), telling the story of how she flung (literally) cucumber seeds in the front yard of the parentals' house, without any intention, and BAM; they grew like wildfire. Now she's feeling herself...ahem, empowered. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

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Xavier's Top Recommended Reads for Black Food Organizers and Advocates:

1. Black Rice by Judith A. Carney
    
2. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
    
3. In the Shadow of Slavery: Africa's Botanical Legacy in the Atlantic World by Judith A. Carney & Richard Nicholas Rosomoff
    
4. Healing Wisdom of Africa by Malinda Patrice Some
    
5. Of Water and the Spirit: Ritual, Magic and the Initiation in the Life of an African Shaman by Malinda Patrice Some
    
6. Ella Baker & the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision by Barbara Ransby
    
7. Land Justice: Re-imaging Land, Food, and the Commons in the United States
    
8. Land & Power: Sustainable Agriculture and African Americans, by Various Authors & Editors
    
9. Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice
    
10. Freedom Farmers: Agriculture Resistance and the Black Freedom Movement by Dr. Monica M. White
     
11. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
     
12. The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by bell hooks
     
13. As in the Heart, So in the Earth : Reversing the Desertification of the Soul and the Soil by Pierre Rabhi

 

Farming Ninjas LeVan Anderson and Jeremy Carry are back to talk on why growing your own food is cool and necessary, especially for men of color. Using their years of experience in the entertainment industry and taste for the culture we break down what it's going to take to create a more sustainable community. We already have the hustlers mentality, so why can't we disrupt the urban farming industry for our good? Anything's possible when we create our own narratives that connect us back to the land.

Earth is filled with life as we know it: humans, biodiversity, and species. But how in tune are we to life around us, how connected are we? Meet Myra Jackson, a former electrical engineer, Earth Advocate and Expert of the UN's Harmony with Nature Programme who decided at a tender age that she would be at service to the Earth. Myra gained a fascination for planetary systems and was becoming, what she calls, a "young astronomer," spending time at tide pools, fossil hunting, and walking with grandma who knew every medicinal herb near their San Diego home. In this episode, Myra defines her sacred relationship to the grid, shares moments of a grandmother's sensitivity to Mother Nature, breaks down what she calls the "Global Pause" in the midst of the global health pandemic, so much more. Tune in! Powered and distributed by Simplecast. 

Sponsored by Giant.

Born in a small Alabama town, Grandma Catherine remembers having all the food she and her family needed on the land. Surrounded by muscadines, peach trees, and pecans, nature’s seed bloomed right outside her home in Butler. And though Grandma has been living in Jackson, MS for more than five decades, the remnants of her country upbringing remain. In this Part I series, Grandma shares fond food memories with granddaughter Melissa L. Jones, her love for the garden and vegetables, and talks about eating-dirt (yes dirt)! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Bryan Epps, New Jersey native, is a returning farmer with an extensive background in organizing and community building. In this episode, Bryan shares the legacy of his family's land: Eester Farm, held for 200 years and how he's been called back to the agricultural grid and what the transition has been like. He also shares his perspectives on food and nutrition and his devotion to disrupting food apartheid. Tap in!

This program was brought to you by Freight Farms.

https://www.freightfarms.com/edibleactivist

#TheSip has got the juice! Jackson, Mississippi native, Keyah Williams, is the owner of Mama Nature's, a plant-based juice bar in the heart of the capital, along with two other locations. The beginnings of the business not only started with a whopping low personal credit score, which Keyah is completely transparent about, but in the trunk of her car selling juices to customers. Keyah shares an inspiring story in this episode of how she "lost it all" but is now walking authentically in her purpose. The 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year spills her future plans for the business, and talks about supporting black entrepreneurs to help launch their wellness pursuits. Tap in!

Gabrielle Knox, the Professional Neighbor is a Detroiter, farmer and builder. In this episode, Gab talks about activating space for growing food, engaging with neighbors in her Detroit community, creative land use, and the model behind her business, Build Cooperatively. Tap in!

In this episode, Tennessee native, Jarren Hill-Lockridge, also known as the "Woman from the Well '' shares her story and commitment to the Great Ward 8 in Southeast Washington, DC to prioritize health and wellness for the residents. As an advocate for her community, Jarren serves on the Ward 8 Health Council and also helped to build a green space project in Southeast centered around homegrown, local food and wellness. Tap in and listen to Jarren's journey that led her from the south to Chocolate City and the work that she has done to make wellness accessible and equitable.

Lincoln University's Food Service Director, Nafessah Bush, is a Philly native with a love for community. In this episode, she kicks us off sharing how she got her career started in the hotel industry, now working for Thompson Hospitality, the largest black-owned food company in the nation. Nafeesah had the honor to lead a Garden Give Back initiative this year at Lincoln (the FIRST HBCU) with faculty and students that sprung forth enthusiasm and gratitude from the campus community. We also chat about food insecurity on campuses and Nafeesah leaves us with a tip on the best cheesesteak in Philly! Tap in to listen!

We welcome our very first international guest to the show, Benjamin aka The Roots Farmer, based in London. In this episode, Ben unfolds his journey, taking us from his long-life career in music to starting an off-the-grid farm right outside of London. Agrarian life had been whispering to Ben for some time, and when the pandemic hit, he found refuge and peace on the 2.5 acres that he currently farms with the help of his two sons. Learn how Ben was able to attain the acres through a unique opportunity made available to residents in the UK, his vision for collective land ownership, and the plans he has to offer his community organic, farm-fresh food. Tap in!

Sponsored by Hello Fresh.

Rob "Veggies" Horton wanted more gardens in the hoods of Nashville, TN and not trap houses where profits for drugs take place and other illegal activities. There were no grocery stores for neighbors to get real food, a scene that reminded him of his hometown in St. Louis, Missouri. Taking matters into his own hands, literally, with a shovel, dirt, and a few good volunteers, he established Trap Garden. Rob's organization is a non-profit social enterprise that provides a sustainable source of healthy, high quality foods and offers innovative solutions to the physical, financial, and educational shortcomings in food insecure communities. His incredible tribe of volunteers are the wheels that keep this mission in motion to provide fresh food to low-income neighbors. Tune in as we unpack the beginnings of Trap Garden!

In this season finale, host, Melissa L. Jones and guest Jeremy Carry talk gratitude, vision and purpose! Powered and distributed by Simplecast

After five years of growing food, The Black Church Food Security Network (BCFSN) found themselves launching a vital mission for the community during the Baltimore Uprising after the death of Freddie Gray. Founded by Pastor Heber Brown, BCFSN started with just a few seeds on the grounds of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church which then morphed into a model that would help black churches utilize their land to grow food, bringing markets and black farmers to the congregation. This episode dives into the relationship between the black church and agriculture, the land being a major asset, along with how churches might need to pivot given the current climate. Pastor Brown also speaks on their latest project: The Black Church Census which will be a gamechanger assess data on black church-owned land! Tune in! *Please note that this episode was pre-recorded.* Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Sponsored by Giant Food.

"If we don't have health, we can't get wealth," says Tambra Raye, the founder of both Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture (WANDA) and Nativsol. We caught up with the former Edible Activist guest to discuss what's continuing to unfold in communities of color hit disproportionately hard by the coronavirus pandemic, her upcoming Cooking with Soul Series at The U.S. Botanic Gardens to kickoff #Juneteenth, and she gives us a taste of her upcoming WANDA Academy. Tune in! *This episode was pre-recorded.* Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Sponsored by Giant.

FoodTalksNColor and Edible Activist join Patreon! In this episode, Melissa L. Jones takes us back to 2009, where her food story began and reminds listeners of her 'why' behind the mission of amplifying BIPOC voices in food and agriculture. Listen in and learn how you can help further the mission by joining their Patreon community!

Aleya Fraser has been farming for the past seven years in and around Baltimore (and beyond). Navigating nature's grid with intention, Aleya has a deep appreciation for agriculture and the resources she uses to steward the land. In this episode, she walks us through her origins in Baltimore, the decision to study neuroscience and biology, farming on the ancestral lands of Harriet Tubman, and we also explore her Trinidad roots and love for cacao. Tune in! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Starting a business isn't easy, even if this episodes guest makes it look that way. What started off as a classroom assignment during her undergrad time at FAMU, blossomed into a thriving holistic plant-based food brand here in DC. Kendra Hazel of Green Things Work focuses on creating colorful and nutrient-dense foods at various pop-ups and catering events across the city. It's not uncommon to see Kendra collaborating with edible activist alumni such as Chef Lauren Van Der Pool and the City Blossoms organization. Keep your eyes and ears on this one, she's making a splash here in the DC food space. This won't be the last time you hear of Kendra Hazel.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with returning guest LaMonika Jones of DC Hunger Solutions, as we celebrate the victories in DC's battle against hunger with initiatives like Hear the Crunch and Give Snap a Raise. Explore the challenges facing the DC food and health system in the FY25 budget, and discover practical steps for residents and advocates to effect change. We'll then conclude with LaMonika shining a spotlight on influential black women in the field. Don't miss this enlightening discussion about cultivating a healthier, more equitable DC community.

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey behind OlaLekan Farm with its founder, Farmer Tolu. Named in honor of her grandparents, the farm is a symbol of wealth, joy, and honor, impacting food access and cultural preservation in the DC area. Discover how her personal heritage shapes the farm's mission, the fascinating process of growing ginger, and the significance of other culturally important crops. We'll also discuss the challenges of climate change on farming and share actionable steps individuals can take to support food equity. Don't miss this engaging and enlightening conversation!

"Whoever controls your food source controls you" are words that Maryland-based gardener, Kevin Alsop, penetrated into our earbuds in episode #001, one that encouraged us to prepare and go back to food basics. Kevin graced our show again with his honest feelings on having to reignite his love for growing, because the business and politics of food has a way of stripping your passion. Additionally in this episode, we catch up on Kevin's latest growing project at a senior citizen center in Capitol Heights, he shares his thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic, and he leaves us with an "Alsop Starter Growing Kit" for beginning growers. Tune in! Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Sponsored by Giant.

Step into the world of "The People's Market" with us in this episode! Meet the visionary founder, Brandon Starkes, who is reshaping the game with a subscription-based food delivery service sourcing from local black farms and artisans in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Join us for a lively conversation that takes you to Brandon's roots in Prince George's County, where a deep love for agriculture was nurtured by the wisdom of his great grandmother. But we're not stopping there! We'll also dive into the challenges of accessing premium groceries in suburban neighborhoods, explore the variety of products you can find in their subscription box, and unveil the fascinating process of producing over 100 produce boxes every single week. Tune in now and get ready to be inspired by this incredible journey! ----- To ensure you never miss an episode, subscribe to Edible Activist on iTunes and Spotify, and follow us on Instagram: @foodtalksncolor.com for episode drops. For an in-depth look at The People's Market, visit: https://www.thepeoplesmarketdmv.com/

Beauty Blooms Farm
https://www.beautyblooms.org/

Harley White aka @theeplantdaddy is a indoor plant mastermind who started his journey building natural enclosures for various amphibians and reptiles when he was a child. In today's episode we dig deep into how his love for plants helped him through both health issues and alcohol addiction. Tune in to find out how growth mindset and synergy with the earth around you can create a paradise of your own design.

In this episode, host Melissa L. Jones takes time to share reflections of the land, along with guest and farmer, Jeremy Carry. Land has been a significant topic for the Edible Activist podcast and at two recent events attended by the hosts. Tune in to hear Melissa's personal view of what land means to her and Jeremy's perspectives on how people should be stewarding nature's grid.  Powered and distributed by Simplecast

*Heads up! This episode gets a little spicy with some colorful language—perfect for mature ears only* Melissa L. Jones of the Edible Activist Podcast and Founder, Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box kick off a series of new episodes called Cuzzin' Talk. Both having come from large families who hail from the South, the two always call each other cuzzin' jokingly and swap family stories. Listeners can expect for us to talk about our family traditions, kitchen recipes that grandma and auntie handed down, our family lineage, travels to the South where we unearth so much rich history, and all the things that cuzzin's do best...we share a lot information with each other. This new episode introduces the series and we also get to learn about a huge dinner that Falani curated for her family and ancestors down in North Carolina. Tune in! *This recording was taped at The Line Hotel DC. New episodes will begin in January 2023*

Big City Gardener's creator, Timothy Hammond, stands by his motto: Just Grow It! As a kid, Tim was surrounded by gardens, but as early as elementary school, he knew he wanted to become a marine biologist, exploring dolphins and whales. Crafting his expertise at his Texas-based home garden, which became his little known secret, organically led to the creation of his platform. In this episode Tim provides advice on getting into the rhythm and flow of growing food, we explore his work with food insecurity in Texas, and we learn some of his favorite artists he rocks out to while in the garden. Oh, he also has a challenge for you as well: the next time you make a meal, try to identify the source of everything on your plate! Take a listen! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

In this episode, the People's Farmer, Gail Taylor of Three Part Harmony Farm shares details about their inaugural farmer trainee program in partnership with JustTransition Power Force. Barriers to farming for black people have existed for many decades and Three Part Harmony is taking action by offering an opportunity to learn farm production in Washington, DC with priority given to black applicants. This is only part of the solution! Tell a friend, farmer enthusiast, or someone you know wanting to experience farming in the city. Application due Friday, August 12th by 11:59 PM, EST! To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)

Kehmari Norman, founder, Black Flower Market, details a Reparations Garden that was installed near the White House by her and an all-black team of Washingtonians as a call for President Joe Biden to enact the HR 40 Bill that would study reparations. The Eucalyptus Queen also talks about her Concrete Rose initiative that supports families of gun violence in Washington, DC and leaves viewers with a surprising Edible Act to take on. Tune in! Edible Activist broadcasts live every other Monday at 7:30 PM, EST on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel: @foodtalksncolor

https://www.seedsofblackness.com/grouptravel

A love for gardening, spirits and connecting with people led Charismatic Creations owner, Chrissy Sheffey, to launch her mobile bartending business. After working at various restaurants in and around the city, Chrissy made a decree to own her income and entered the world of entrepreneurship in 2017. In this episode, Chrissy discusses fusing her passions to launch Charismatic Creations, shares her viewpoint on the disconnect between agriculture and the food and beverage industry, she recounts her fondest gardening memory with her dad, and talks through what entrepreneurship has taught her. Tune in! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

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Foraging while black, wild energy and agroforestry? You will hear it all here as Prince George's County native and naturalist-at-heart, Ruth Tyson, details her foraging experience in this episode and how she began the journey. Ruth also educates listeners on agroforestry and the various types, in addition to sharing some of the research she has been conducting with farmers of color in hopes to expand more opportunities in this space. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)

The impacts of COVID-19 were devastating. We acknowledge that at the time of this recording, we were unprepared for the unprecedented challenges it brought. Thousands of lives were lost, businesses severely affected, and the lockdown unleashed a wave of mental health disturbances. While some thrived—and we celebrate their resilience—many struggled, and we hold space for them.

While most non-essential workers have the luxury of working-from-home, first responders, along with other emergency personnel do not as they weather the pandemic. Food on the Stove's founder, Jonathan Tate, joins us for another episode to expound upon the mission work that has taken place in the midst of COVID-19, ensuring that firefighters across the city are nourished on a job that is ever-so demanding. Tune in to learn about the outpouring support from the D.C. community to support FOTS, Tate also talks about mental health awareness, and we discuss their latest meal delivery pilot: Local Food for Local Heroes. Tune in! Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Sponsored by Giant.

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We sit down with Farmer Wes, aka The Compost King, as he shares his inspiring journey and entrepreneurial legacy from his roots to his current role in urban agriculture. Explore his early agricultural experiences in Trinidad, from knocking down mangoes with bamboo shoots as a child, to his transformative journey through the Regenerative Agriculture Certificate program at Common Good City Farm. Wes unpacks the essentials of composting, its importance for growing healthy food, and what farming has looked like during this sweltering summer. Plus, get an insider's look at his involvement in other food justice initiatives and find out his top vegetable and fruit pick of the season. Tune in!

Tag along with Melissa, her two aunts and Big Ma as they visit Mt. Olive, MS, a small town outside of Jackson, to explore the land where her greats called home and farmed on. In this brief episode you'll hear conversations from the car as Melissa's family treks through town, making a couple of stops along the way, while she questions family land ownership. Listen in on the start of this explorative journey to uncovering her agricultural roots in The Sip!

Cities can transform how we improve our food system and Ribka Getachew, Director of the NY Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) Campaign, joined our show to share just how! Ribka is a long-time organizer and food justice advocate who has been leading this campaign in New York City that serves as a game-changer for the procurement process within local government. The activist talks us through the campaign and how it would address longstanding systemic issues while centering values that support the local food economy and an ethical food buying process. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)

The Edible Activist Podcast is relaunching and kicking of it's first episode on YouTube. Join host, Melissa L. Jones for a conversation as she shares her mission for the podcast and what's to come! She is also joined by special guest, Jennifer Lumpkin of My, Grow, Connect for a conversation around food activism and why our voices matter in this space!

A dreamy garden in Detroit? Ask Marilyn who is the creator of Griffin Gardens - a three lot garden oasis that started as a blank slate and gift from her dad. In the last year, Marilyn has cultivated a beautiful green space filled with florals, pollinators, vegetables, and most importantly, community. In this amazing and fun episode, Marilyn talks about how she expanded her garden from one vacant lot with the help of key Detroit partners, along with some of the challenges she faced in acquiring two additional lots. We also chat about amazing experiences that have taken place at the garden and what continues to be her why. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)

What does land mean to you? And if you inherited it, how would you steward it? This episodes continues conversations from last week's episode, Reflections of the Land, with host Melissa L. Jones and guest co-host, Jeremy Carry. The top of the episode starts with farming ninja, Jay, sharing how he would cultivate the land if he inherited five acres, then segwaying into stigmas that many black people and people of color have about farming. We also spotlight The Atlantic's piece: The Great Land Robbery. Tune in! Powered and distributed by Simplecast

Mothering and farming is not easy, yet Violet King manages to make it happen. As a mom to three kids, she is tearing down any misconceptions about being able to conquer both. Violet learned a while back that black folks need to be more self-sufficient and began growing her own food. There was even a period during her pregnancy that she feared not being able to feed her daughter and drew concern about her health. In this episode, we talk about Violet raising farm babies, why we need more people of color in food policy, and how agriculture helped her to understand her ancestry, especially as an adopted child into a white family. Screen reader support enabled.

Food isn't linear, and for artists like Krystal Mack, this means using food to tell our history, build community, and as a tool for social design. In this episode we explore Krystal's culinary entrepreneurial journey as a business owner and baker, breakdown Baltimore's food landscape and how this has impacted her work, the importance of language and controlling our narratives, and her most recent event: Black Women, Food & Power! Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Sweet July, featuring Brittney Bell Surrat: https://sweetjuly.com/editorial/to-save-her-familys-land-this-communications-professional-became-a-farmer/

In this episode, we chat with Patrilie Hernandez, founder of Embody Lib, to unpack how food insecurity and eating disorders are connected. Patrilie breaks down the definition of disordered eating, talks about dismantling beliefs around food that are tied to white supremacy and colonization, and we discuss the work that she does to apply a body liberation framework to various environments. Tap in!

In this brief finale episode, hear thoughts from host, Melissa L. about black folks rising from the silos into non-black digital spaces, supporting black lives, and she shares some exciting announcements. This episode does conclude the season, but we'll be back after we recalibrate. In the meantime, check out our 80+ episodes on deck! Thanks for your support as always and remember: in the words of Baba Oduno, "there is no culture without agriculture." Period! Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Sponsored by Giant.

After a traumatic experience with her collard greens, My Grow Connect's Founder, Jennifer Lumpkin, vowed to never grow on land she didn't own. This will be the first reveal of the story here on the Edible Activist Podcast!

A story that can only be told by acknowledging her Cleveland, Ohio and Georgian roots, Jennifer Lumpkin only knew food through her family. The community organizer and grower recalls memories of food swapping with family members, receiving mango shipments from auntie in Florida, and their front yard being a supermarket. They created their own food system, one that aimed to reflect her great-grandfather's legacy as a sharecropper. This episode unravels Jennifer's family food story, highlights her farming experiences in Washington, D.C., and we pay a visit to Cleveland where she is back organizing voter campaigns, while still growing food. Tune in! Powered and distributed by Simplecast

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Mario Vitalis is the owner and operator of New Age Provisions Farms based in Indianapolis, Indiana where he hydroponically grows herbs, lettuce and microgreens. In this episode, Mario, who says he's no expert, shares his experience as a Freight Farmer, how access to land was the driver to container farming, and why hydroponic farming will become even more essential to our future due to climate change. Tap in!

In this episode we catch up with Ronnie Webb, Founder of The Green Scheme (@thegreenscheme), on his team's latest project: Corner Water! They are on a mission to provide premium natural alkaline water to communities who don’t have equitable access and help youth learn the core pillars to social entrepreneurship. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)

Big Ma, the daughter of a sharecropper and homemaker, hails from Mt. Olive, Mississippi. Soft spoken (like her mama Louvenia), but full of character, she relished her childhood in Mt. Olive on the farm where they lived. In this episode, Big Ma talks about her role as the water girl, runs down a list of crops her dad grew that included sugar cane, and reminds us of this: "I didn’t pick no cotton." Powered and distributed by Simplecast.

Having spent summers in North Carolina to homestead with her family, Falani Africa inherited many memories that make up a big part of her agricultural journey. In this episode, the Byrd's Nest Box founder invites us into the home of her family and shares a bit of her lineage story that ultimately leads to the birthing of her business. Falani then activates our tastebuds with the details of her Southern-inspired brunch and also talks about her project: Seed Saturday's Culture. To watch the live episode, subscribe to Food Talks N Color on YouTube! Like, comment and share:)

This episode unveils a critical set of food system recommendations for the Chesapeake Region, a report and blueprint produced by the Chesapeake Foodshed Network's Community Ownership Empowerment and Prosperity (COEP) action team. Asha Carter and Dr. Sade Anderson-Brown, COEP members, breakdown the groundwork strategies in this report as they speak truth around our monopolized food system. This blueprint will challenge institutions and those with power to help transform systemic change in the Chesapeake Region. Tune in!

Edible Activist popped up at FishScale to chat with co-owner and chef, Brandon Williams. When we first had Brandon on the show, back in 2019, he introduced us to his amazing fish burger concept and shared his culinary journey. As the FishScale team closed up shop for the night, Melissa caught up with Brandon to talk about how his team has been able to push through the pandemic, supporting the local economy through food, activating buying power, and of course all-things wild-caught fish. Tap in!

*Heads up! This episode may get a little spicy with some colorful language—perfect for mature ears only* Remember Jay-Z's line "nobody wins when the family feuds" in the acclaimed 4:44 album? Well, when family fights over land it can get downright ugly! The cuzzin's Melissa L. Jones and Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box dive right on in and open up about their personal challenges in attempting to acquire land within the family. Falani points out that when we often discuss land loss, many refer to the discriminatory USDA practices, imminent domain, and other racist acts that have swindled black families out of their land, but we forget about the internal family feuds that result in land loss as well. Tune in for this lively Cuzzin' Talk episode!

From growing up on a farm in Virginia to operating The Fresh Food Factory in Southeast, D.C., Amanda Stephenson's connection to food, farming and health has led her on a journey to educate and offer options that support the wellbeing of her community. Surry, Virginia is where Amanda's farming adventures began, growing up in this small town with siblings as they worked the land while game, ducks, and other farm animals roamed the grounds. And as a creative who navigated to New York City, and eventually D.C. she gives credit to her hard-working dad, who surpassed a life expectancy by 18 years, for the values and entrepreneurial spirit she carries til this day. In this episode, we learn about Amanda's business that started as a food incubator in Ward 8, she addresses black entrepreneurship and the wealth disparities that exist, and how the business has been adapting during COVID-19. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Sponsored by Giant.

Surrounded by herbs, tea blends, and healing energy, Melissa chats with co-founder and attorney, Yasmin Collins, of Herbal Blessings about the vision behind her family's medicinal business. In this episode, we explore Yasmin's journey to decolonizing her diet, black history in the Farish Street Neighborhood Historic District (Jackson, MS), and we get to hear from the CEO: Eric T. Collins, Jr. aka EJ, their plant-based baby boy who loves sea moss! Tune in!

Caterpillars, playing in the woods, and picking up insects was part of Michelle Nelson's childhood adventure, so taking up environmental studies at North Carolina A&T was a no-brainer because she always loved the sciences! This episode explores Michelle's tomboy adventures and how the outdoors became her classroom for learning, she also talks us through her role as Program Manager with Montgomery County Parks in which she oversees 11 garden sites (to include over 500 gardeners, whoa!), and how to use this time during quarantine to do what makes you the happiest! 

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Join us on this episode as we welcome Carmen and Kara, the dynamic duo behind Prosperity Market LA—a unique farmers market on wheels and food truck that features Black farmers, food producers, and chefs, bringing a curated market experience to the diverse communities of Los Angeles. Discover their inspiring origin story and how they joined forces to revolutionize LA's food scene. We explore the challenges of food access in the city and how Prosperity Market LA is making a tangible impact on the local community. Carmen and Kara share their vision for the future, discuss the opportunities and hurdles of their innovative business model, and delve into sustaining Black businesses and the resources needed for economic stability. Plus, they highlight influential Black women who have significantly supported their journey. Tune in for an enlightening and empowering conversation! Be sure to follow @prosperitymarketla journey on instagram!

Nazriah (which stands for vanguard) Muhammad is a grower who operates at the center of her Muslim faith and with the energy she absorbs from the land. In this episode we explore Nazirah's cultural identity and her family's conversion to Islam, she touches on her journey as an herbalist, we talk about her artistry and hand-pianted journals that can be found at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and she reminds us that plants have a vibe. Tune in! *Please note that this episode was pre-recorded during Ramadan*. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Sponsored by Giant.

Grandad a.k.a Big Daddy dropped a gem in a car ride with Melissa L. Jones, while driving through rural Mississippi in smalltown Canton. "We got 150 acres of land." She learns about the mass of land that her grandad owns on his side of the family and shoots out questions for him! Want the full clip? Join our community at patreon.com/fodtalksncolor.com.

Melissa sits down in an exclusive interview with Chris Riddick of Afro Beets - the first time Melissa is ever interviewed by a media platform (and a black one at that)! In this episode Chris taps into her origin story, unearths her Mississippi roots and childhood, talks challenges of being a creator, and all-things Edible Activist (her podcast) and health justice. Tune in! This episode was recorded live at The Line Hotel DC.

Hey listeners, we took an extended summer break, but excited about the guests that we have lined up and some updates to share. Stay tuned and keep watch for the next episode!

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This very special episode is an author talk featuring Chef Matthew Raiford & Amy Paige Condon in celebration of their new cookbook Bress 'N' Nyam: Gullah Geechee Recipes from a Sixth Generation Farmer! As CheFarmer Matthew shares the history of the Gullah Geechee, we explore rich Coastal Georgia, along with recipes, stories, and heirlooms that Matthew inherited. Amy also provides context to shaping the cookbook and working with Matthew to publish a creative piece filled with legacy, honor and awesome food. Grab a copy and tap in!

*Heads up! This episode gets a little spicy with some colorful language—perfect for mature ears only* Edible Activist launches its exciting 2024 season with a dope episode featuring Maryland native, Sean's Veggie Garden! Sean, a passionate grower and pepper master, is renowned as the ultimate watermelon connoisseur. Join us as hosts Melissa and Falani explore Sean's journey into the world of food cultivation, his deep affection for crabbing, and the sprinkling of nostalgic home-cooked memories. Tune in for a heartwarming and engaging conversation! Be sure to follow us on Instragam: @foodtalksncolor Sean's Veggie Garden: @seans_veggie_garden