The world is full of painful stories. Sometimes it seems as though there aren’t any other kind and yet I found myself thinking how beautiful that glint of water was through the trees.
Octavia Butler
Blessings Beloved Community
There’s something special that happens during these cold winter months here on the mountainside. Once in a while, unexpectedly, comes a sunny day. Stopping us in our tracks, as if awakened from a deep sleep, we turn our faces up towards the heavens to be drenched in those warming iridescent rays. Having experienced so many cold days, the glimmer of light reminds us that brighter spring days are ahead. We hope that you too are finding sweet and fortifying moments of light these days.
We’ve begun planning for our spring programs and we’re lit up at the thought of being on the land again with you soon. Green, buoyant, and full of possibilities. As we wait for the soil to thaw we hope to see you at upcoming offerings like our virtual Uprooting Racism training on March 10th and March 20th.
May your breath be your anchor.
With love and solidarity,
Briana, Cheryl, Christina, Clara, Crysta, Danielle, Hana’, Hillary, Jonah, Leah, Maya, Naima, Neshima, O’den, Ria, Shay, Susuyu and Winter
While the land rests under a blanket of snow, the farmers are still at work – alchemizing berries, harvested and frozen at peak sweetness, into comforting jam; finalizing our crop plan and categorizing our seed orders; connecting with other farmers at conferences and summits; and pruning our fruit orchard.
Winter pruning of woody perennials is essential to supporting their healthy growth. This process increases airflow and light penetration, while encouraging fruiting. We are grateful to our neighbor and tree mentor, Seth of East Hollow Ciders, who has provided us with guidance, education, and support each year as we grow alongside our orchard. In the spirit of sharing knowledge, we invite you to learn some pruning basics at www.fedcoseeds.com/trees/pruning.htm and check out our educational reel on pruning fruit trees.
As we move through the branches, we are in awe of the abundant fruit spurs, each of which will blossom and bear fruit months from now to share. What are the buds that you are nurturing, to fruit in the days, weeks, and months to come? Who and what are you connecting with for mentorship and guidance in actualizing those dreams?
Uprooting Racism in the Food System
We all have a significant and intrinsic role to play in uprooting racism in the food system, and the good news is that there are many right answers to the questions, “What can I do to help?” We’ve been deep diving into this question and sharing solidarity strategies far and wide.
Individual and Group tickets are on sale. Click on the links below for more information and to register.
You can also check out our Actions Steps to uproot racism in the food system here.
2025 FIRE Immersion – Applications Welcome!
FIRE is designed for aspiring, beginning, and intermediate growers of Black, Indigenous, and Latine heritage to gain basic skills in regenerative farming in a culturally relevant, supportive, and joyful environment. We’ll be facilitating three sessions this year:
FIRE 1: June 8 – 13
FIRE 2: July 13 – 18
FIRE 3: September 7 – 12
Click here to learn more about the program and to apply. The application deadline is March 7, 2025 at 5PM EST.
Apply for the L.O.L. Youth Immersion
Program Dates: August 3 – 6, 2025
L.O.L (Liberation on Land) is an immersive 3-day program for B.I.P.O.C. youth, ages 14-16 that harvests the power of land as a tool for personal and collective liberation. Together, we will engage in creative and healing arts, regenerative farming, whole foods cooking, mindfulness practices, and physical activities, both as skill-building exercises and as a means for emotional-spiritual growth. There will be abundant time in nature, observing, playing, making music, and listening to the languages of the Earth. Participants will receive mentorship in trusting their inner guidance, naming their needs, identifying their super powers, pushing their limits, self-acceptance, collaboration, interdependence, empathy and compassionate communication. The young people will also learn some of the revolutionary history of their ancestors’ struggles for liberation and how they can shape movements for justice in their own communities nowadays.
Click here to learn more about the program and to apply.
Applications will be received on a rolling basis. Apply soon for a better chance to get accepted into the program!
Courageous Conversations
Virtual Workshop with Leah Penniman & Naima Penniman
March 26, 5:30 p.m to 7 p.m. ET
Was there a time when someone took issue with something you did and dealt with it in a hurtful way? What do you wish they did differently? Accountability can be dehumanizing and lead to deeper wounding and fracture, or be a path to transformation and deeper connection. Communication can strengthen or destroy a relationship, and the health of our relationships has everything to do with the health of our projects and movements.
“Courageous Conversations” is a tool that we practice regularly at Soul Fire Farm for the health of our team culture. It has made all the difference, and we want to pass it on to others. In this virtual workshop, learn and practice the “Courageous Conversations” framework designed to support us in achieving mutual understanding, transforming tension into met needs, and strengthening beloved communities.
Learn more and register here.
Kingian Nonviolence
In-Person Workshop with Kazu Haga
April 18, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET
Developed by Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. and David Jehnsen, two allies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Kingian Nonviolence is sometimes referred to as the “final marching orders of Dr. King.” It is a philosophy that teaches us the depth of nonviolence and conflict transformation: it reclaims the radical legacy of Dr. King, while at the same time affirming his unending commitment to leading with love.
It teaches us to hold healing and reconciliation as the final goal of any conflict, and also reminds us of the need for justice and accountability as a necessary stepping stone to Beloved Community. Whether you are trying to improve conflict in your personal life, cultivate a culture of peace in your school or community, or build a powerful movement for social change, this training can be a transformative tool.
Learn more and register here.
Community Work & Learn
We have our first community Work & Learn Days coming up! You’re invited to join us to learn about some of our farming practices while supporting our food sovereignty work and getting your hands on the land.
Group registration may be offered on select days to groups with participants 16 years and older. Complete this form if you’d like to request to register a group.
Sovereign: Reclaiming Black Land
In this podcast, rich in storytelling, history, and ritual, we explore what it means to be sovereign. With Black land at the center, this series brings together prominent activists, artists, weavers and the rising generation of Black land stewards. Crafting inspiring conversations that honor the past and create blueprints for the future.
Monthly IG Live series @soulfirefarm with audio later shared on podcast streaming platforms. Hosted by Clara AgborTabi and Crysta Bloom
On March 25th at 4pm EST we’ll be talking with Junauda Petrus and Ysanet Batista.
In this episode titled “Invisible Ties” we’re exploring the longing, grief, and depth of connection felt between the global majority and the ancestral lands we’ve been separated from. Including ways to reclaim, preserve, and deepen our connection to our homelands.
We’ll be diving deeper into Ysanet’s spiritual and worldly experiences of rematriation work in the DR, as well as practices for building reciprocal relationships with the land and people after moving back to our homelands. And we’ll be learning more about Junauda’s connection to her Caribbean homeland and how it’s honored and reflected in her art, organizing, rituals, and Erotics of Abolition work.
It’s conference season!!
Our Braiding Seeds fellows and alumni have been having a great time connecting and learning together in person at the recent SOWTH Conference in Atlanta, GA and the PASA Sustainable Agriculture Conference in Harrisburg, PA! Featured attendees: D’Real Graham, Kristen Weeks, Angela and Timothy Brigmon, Demi Tucker, and Angie Comeaux.
Alumni Spotlight: Ayanna Burroughs [2023 FIRE 2]
Hello! I’m Ayanna Burroughs, a farm to school advocate, farmer, and educator. I began my growing journey with students in 2018. Over the years, I witnessed the power of reconnecting to the land and the ability that gardens, farms, and other greenspaces have to heal communities.
I currently lead a farm to school program in Atlanta, Georgia that grows produce for cafeteria meals and provides garden-based educational opportunities that empowers and centers our students. I connected with Rafael Riascos (an alumni of the Farm-to-Table Immersion) to co-found the Agriculture Educators Association of Atlanta (AESA), a grassroots organization supporting Atlanta’s food and agriculture educators through skill-sharing workshops and resource sharing. Our goal is to support and uplift the people already growing, cooking, teaching, and advocating so they can continue their work without barriers.
In addition to my work as an educator, I also grow at June Apple Nursery, a plant nursery and flower farm in Southwest Atlanta. As a proud part of Atlanta’s gardening community, I strive to make growing and land connection accessible to all, empowering my neighbors with the skills to nurture plants that nourish both body and soul.
If you’re interested in connecting with me, you can reach me at helloayannab@gmail.com. If you’re a GA-based educator who uses food and farming as a way to teach and connect with your community, we invite you to connect with AESA at aesa.atlanta@gmail.com.
Access Seasonal Herbal Remedies with Herban Cura’s Herbal CSA
A Community Supported Apothecary to tend to our hearts, nourish our bodies and ease our minds. Four seasons = 4 boxes + 20 remedies + 4 booklets + 4 seed packets. All locally sourced and lovingly tended to by Herban Cura in West Saugerties, NY.
For more information and signing up.
PARTNERSHIP UPDATES
2025 has been replete with contrasting emotions so far, drawing our attention to the dynamic nature of work done in service of justice, and the perseverance necessary to sustain the struggle towards a transformed, just, and regenerative food system.
Even as we find ourselves reeling, recollecting, and mobilizing in the face of sudden manufactured scarcity and executive orders that seek to legislate not only our human bodies, but earth’s body, may we continue to move in the knowing that there is indeed no force greater than our collective power.
More than ever, it is imperative that we know our rights so that we are equipped to defend ourselves and our immigrant community members from encroachment. Review and disseminate this multi-lingual ‘Know Your Rights’ resource compiled by the National Immigration Law Center.
As we continue to adjust to the ongoing impacts of the DEI focused Executive Order issued last month, consider donating to organizations whose resource streams have been impacted, such as our partners at Black Farmers United-NYS. You can read their press release and donate by visiting this link.
Similarly, the ripple effect of the Federal Funding freeze, an executive order that was issued and swiftly rescinded, is still being felt across our agricultural sector. Click this link to access 2025 Federal Funding resources, including an Executive order tracker, info on government spending, service providers, and resources compiled by Land and Liberation LLC.
May our strength be strengthened.
 Uprooting Racism in the Food System March 10, 2025 11:30 am – 2:30 pm | March 20, 2025 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | A virtual theory and action training for farming and food justice leaders to uproot systemic racism in our organizations and society. Register Here |
 Organicology Keynote (Leah Penniman) March 14, 2025 12:15 pm – 1:00 pmRevolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St #203, Portland, OR 97214, USA | Bringing together contributors, advocates and change-makers from across the organic trade to revolutionize food, agriculture and economic models for the better. Register Here |
 Courageous Conversations March 26, 2025 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Join Leah Penniman and Naima Penniman to learn how Courageous Conversations can help strengthen our beloved communities. Register Here |
- How the Braiding Seeds Fellowship Works to Uproot Racism in the Food System
- Cory Booker’s picks on urban agriculture in Africa: Sustainable reads
- Americans Who Tell the Truth Exhibit
- Talking About Abolition: A Police-Free World is Possible
- Seeds of Change
- Soil: Common Ground | Our History
- Sacramento Screening Explores Challenges Of Black Farmers
- Food Justice As a Path Toward Abolition
CLOSING STAFF REFLECTIONS
Thank You
By Ross Gay
If you find yourself half naked
and barefoot in the frosty grass, hearing,
again, the earth’s great, sonorous moan that says
you are the air of the now and gone, that says
all you love will turn to dust,
and will meet you there, do not
raise your fist. Do not raise
your small voice against it. And do not
take cover. Instead, curl your toes
into the grass, watch the cloud
ascending from your lips. Walk
through the garden’s dormant splendor.
Say only, thank you.
Thank you.