History

Farming is an ancient practice that can be dated back to the early Americans , as well as early civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, Ancient China , Ancient Africa, and many other civilizations. Black Americans have been farming to maintain living , promote communities and reclaim our history to encourage health and healing. Throughout history, we know there has been and continues to be many crippling systematic , discriminatory practices denying Black Americans access to land. Farming the land is an important connection that can be reclaimed by recognizing the power. Putting our hands in the dirt again and remembering the rich history below our feets. 

Another overlooked part of farming is the importance of medicine women’ and men in structures of Black and indigenous communities. They provided healing to sick members of the family , provided emotional council, and overall community support.  The use of herbal medicine is a mixture of both african and indigenous american practices all of which is rooted in the knowledge of the lands. Ancient herbal medicine can be dated back to many early civilizations as well. In other countries such as China , Korea and Africa they utilize herbal medicine in their health care systems, providing herbs in community settings such as farmers markets, and prescribing herbal medicine at the doctors. In american herbal medicine is not as accepted but its traditions still have origins in its soils. Herbal medicine is still a widely used practice of physical , mental and spiritual healing that can be used still today. Recognizing a need for holistic healing is one step to reclaiming this ancient wisdom and plant stewardship.