Second Annual Black Farmers Symposium, Feb. 23
Join the NOVA-Woodbridge DEI Committee to learn about the history and potential future of Black American farmers during the second annual Black Farmers Symposium on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
This virtual event is a platform for African American agriculturalists to tell their stories, which intersect with culture, science, discrimination, agricultural policy, land ownership, and generational wealth.
Panelists:
Olivia Boadu is a graduate of the NOVA horticulture program and a Virginia Master Gardner. She enjoys outdoor experiences and being near plants, animals and insects. Pursuing horticulture has given her a chance to live her lifelong dream of working in a natural setting as her full-time profession. Olivia’s story was made possible through her belief in her ability to achieve her professional goals and the support of her family.
Allan Lanton is an established African American farmer with extensive experience in aquaculture, a sustainable agricultural practice that uses the respiration of fish to feed plant crops in soilless mediums. He took up agriculture because of climate change and a desire to help people in low-income communities have access to fresh produce. He’s passionate about his agriculture practice and centers his work on helping people learn, grow, and be more self-sufficient.
Kimani Anku is a DMV native who found a love of farming and gardening through unconventional means and has turned his passion into a thriving garden coaching service. He is a Master Gardener at the University of Maryland and started his agriculture practice to be close to nature and grow his own food. Kimani is an advocate for people learning how to grow their own food and teaching people how to use gardening as a form of therapy.
Gerald Collins owns Master Coffee Roaster, Inc. He’s an agricultural entrepreneur who has traveled the world to investigate quality crops and source the best produce. He spends much of his time traveling to help agriculturalists maximize the quality of agricultural products for market.
For more information, contact: Lawrence Nightingale.
Submitted by:
Charlene Wilkins, WO-Campus & Community Outreach, CWilkins@nvcc.edu