Monday, September 15, 2008

VERMONT FARMERS DONATE TO URBAN GARDENING PROJECT IN NYC

Ras Oba, Asantewaa Harris, Dafina Jacobs, Inez Hollis in Harlem

Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farmers Ras Oba and his wife Dafina arrived in Harlem NY from their Vermont farm with organic seedlings for a new gardening initiative. Community Vision Council, local residents and friends are embarking on a campaign to “grow our own”. Three years ago, this beautiful family was the first farmers at the CVC Farmers Market and has always encouraged communities to grown their own food. And in the face of what is now being called a global food crisis, CVC began to explore possibilities.

We have raised beds in two local gardens – Senior Citizen Sculpture Garden & Park and PS 76 in Harlem and are encouraging family and friends to begin growing seeds, transplanting seedlings and explore sites to grow food. Back yards, front yard, window ledges, and roofs are all spaces that can be utilized for urban growing. And community groups such as Community Vision Council, Hope Steven Garden, Hip Hop Sustains and others are creating activities, workshops and resources that are intergenerational and available. Sharing what we have with our community, we are grooming the young ones and learning from those who came before us.

Harvest Time Garden & CVC "Sprouts" Nevaeh & Zianna Grant visit Harlem, NYC

Our elders know best what can be done to better prepare for hard times since they tell us stories about the Depression in the 30s, about Victory Gardens in the 40’s and some even recount tales of working on farms before migrating to northern cities. These valued tales shape the importance of the great farming legacy of our people. While new & trendy terms such as “organic”, “locally grown”, and “permaculture” are now used, we are looking to our roots for the great ancestral lessons of the late George Washington Carver, an agricultural genius. We are growing GREEN solutions.

Ras Che, Yarissa Herrera, Nu World Warrior at PS 76 School Garden

CVC is forging new partnerships with organizations, businesses and neighboring schools. Our mission remains saving lives – by building bridges, creating safety nets and finding solutions for ourselves, our families and our communities. Our vision is wellness.

We will be celebrating the birthday of George Washington Carver during July & August.

On July 24th, CVC hosted a "Happy Birthday Party" & workshop at Morris Wilson Senior Center in Harlem. And on the July 30th, we celebrated with Harlem Children's Zone at PS 76 School. We are deeply appreciate the support of the George Washington Carver National Memorial, CVC Members & Friends, CVC Elder Care Work Group, African Burial Ground, NY Historical Society & neighbors who help us with "Home Grown Sustainable Roots.

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