Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Iya Amy Olatunji and Asantewaa Harris represented CVC at Growing Food & Justice for All Initiative in Milwaukee, Wisconsin www.gfji.org We attended intensive workshops on constructing greenhouses and composting. We were hosted by Will Allen and the staff at Growing Power, Inc. Asantewaa led a Sunday break-out session and we were happy to record our comments on "You Tube".

Upon our return we were excited to learn that Will Allen received the prestigious MacArthur Award for his genius. CONGATULATIONS, Will!
Iya Olatunji celebrated her 79th birthday at the Hattie Carthan Garden as a Eco-Friendly Earth Day event with drumming, dancing, wonderful food and warm wishes for continued happiness. It was an amazing gathering, inspiring and with a well of wisdom. the guest list was intergenerational from babes in arms to her 90 years "young" cousin. Our elders surely know how to party hearty...

CVC was a participant of the CUNY Social Forum at City College of New York. We conducted a workshop entitled: Community Food Solutions
 with Community Vision Council
 Speakers: Asantewaa Gail Harris, Iya Amy Olatunji, Brother Abdul
 (He gave a wonderful report on the harvest of our organic seedlings!) and Ras Oba; Brother Isaac of Afrikan Zion Organic Roots Farm in Vermont. Community Vision Council/CVC began grass roots organizing in NYC to address community issues relating to food insecurity, high rates of obesity, diabetes and other food related health conditions burdening people of color that are PREVENTABLE. We introduced our inter-generational partners who are traditional & non-traditional health professionals who are using culturally based creative ways (music, dance, spoken word, books & film) to advance healthy choices for healthy living. Our work reaches thousands who reside in NYC's communities of color. We highlighted a few of the successes & challenges that we face in our campaign to promote WELLNESS. www.cvcouncil.blogspot.com

CVC is also happy to report that Ras Che is in Caribbean as part of the Pastors for Peace/IFCO "Construction Brigade" helping to rebuild areas ravaged by recent hurricanes. Rev. Walker has returned to NYC and said that Che and the team are doing an excellent job. While the original focus was Gustav & Ike, just last week the island was hit again by Hurricane Paloma. Anyone wanting to help should call Pastors for Peace at 212/926-5757 www.ifconews.org
CVC is participating in organizing a New York Chapter of Growing Food & Justice For All Initiative to enable the more that 25 New Yorkers that attended the Milwaukee Gathering to continue this work. We will look at ways to bring the technologies of “Dismantling Racism” to our food system work in New York.
In partnership with Just Food and the Wilson M. Morris Senior Center, CVC conducted another George Washington Carver workshop given by young Brother Farid. The topic was "Seed Saving" and over 20 seniors attended, some participated and got seeds of their own to plant.

Congratulations to us all for such an historical election on Nov. 4th. Now what can we each bring to realize the important work at hand, cause saying "Yes, We Can" just isn't enough? Skills, Talents, Visions, Ideas & Resources are welcomed at www.change.gov

November 18th 2008 6pm – 8pm – Local Food Economies “No Hunger, Cool the Planet Tour" will have a forum at CUNY Graduate Center 34th Street; 5th Avenue Room 9204. All are invited!
Look for CVC at the upcoming 2008 KWANZAA Celebrations.

Hold these 2009 events for your calendar!

January 3rd - Iya Olatunji's Eco Friendly pre-80th Birthday event at Von King Cultural Center (rsvp 718/670-3360 leave your name or email Asantewaa @ ahgatnet@hotmail.com

National Survivors Assembly March 2009 TX www.usrnet.org (Katrina & Gulf Storms)
Food for Thought Film Festival 2009 NY www.foodfilmfest.com
Green Food Festival 2009 NY
Healthy Eating Festival 2009 NY
Urban Go GREEN 2009 NY
International Center for Traditional Childbearing Annual Conference www.blackmidwives.org
CUNY Social Forum NY www.cunysocialforum.com
ZULU Nation 36th Anniversary Celebrating Hip Hop Culture www.zulunation.com/events
Heal Thyself Center www.queenafuaonline.com