Black Farmers & Urban Gardeners Conference

Nov 18, 2010 to Nov 21, 2010
Location: Brooklyn College,
Latest Activity: Jan 20, 2020

This November, the first annual conference to forge food, farming and policy solutions for the Black Community will convene at Brooklyn College in New York City, convening farmers, gardeners, activists, students and community leaders from across the nation. Black Farmers & Urban Gardeners Conference Growing Health, Wealth, & Justice in Our Communities November 19-21, 2010 Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NY Going Green Most analysts agree that “green jobs” in a variety of fields—from energy to agriculture—will offer growing career opportunities in the future. Workshops at the 2010 Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference will highlight how our nation’s growing awareness of ecological issues is creating opportunities for food and farming-related professionals. Opportunities in the growing green economy will only benefit those who get the training and support necessary to take advantage of them. Conference workshops will focus on building awareness and resources to help prepare African Americans for food and farm-related careers. Growing Health, Wealth & Justice This conference aims to strengthen networks and inspire new ideas among people working across disciplines to address the food-related issues that contribute to inequities in health, wealth and justice in black communities. These inequities are well documented: At the heart of these inequities is a food system that is increasingly alienated from the needs of African Americans and dismissive of their demands. This conference offers an opportunity for people concerned about this issue to take action to change the status quo and develop alternatives. Why focus on food, farming and justice NOW? The health and livelihoods of African Americans are in danger, and our increasing alienation from our food sources is to blame. Our farmers are in peril: •In 1920, over 14% of U.S, farmers were African American. •In 2007, less than 2% of U.S. farmers are African American. •Only 110 of more than 56,000 farmers in New York State are African American. Our communities are malnourished: •Nationally, the typical low-income neighborhood has 30 percent fewer supermarkets than higher-income neighborhoods. Our health is suffering: •Nearly 50% of African American children will develop diabetes at some point in their lives.v •About four out of five African American women are overweight or obese.vi •In 2007, African Americans were 1.4 times as likely to be obese as Non- Hispanic Whites.vii •Deaths from heart disease and stroke are almost twice the rate for African Americans as compared to Whites.viii •Help forge food, farming and policy solutions for the Black Community. Attend the Black Farmer and Urban Gardeners Conference. To pre-register or receive email updates about conference workshops and events, join our online community: Join our e-mail list for ... latest news and updates.

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Black Farmers & Urban Gardeners Conference

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