Black Dirt Farm Collective

Still feeling the energy from the last Afro Ecology Encounter August 23-August 25. We had Black and Brown farmers, healers, scholars, mothers, and fathers from all over the country. This was the first encounter we hosted since 2017 . It felt good to be back and to it in solidarity with our comrades @saafon_grows @dbcfsn_org @soilgeneration @persimmonfund @msassociationofcoop @nycagroecologyprocess @b_d_f_c We had fiber and natural dye workshops by @highhogfarm @blue.lightjunction and we visted @3phfarm @doctorfarmerbrother farms. all PG county Watermelons provided by @byrdsnestbox , @3phfarm @doctorfarmerbrother Chef Laquanda Dobson lead all meals for this event with other chefs. @chefdobson Video Created by the great @adebayo_umoja

On behalf of the US Food Sovereignty Alliance (@usfoodsovalliance , it is my great pleasure to CONGRATULATE and inform you that Black Dirt Farm Collective has been selected as the Domestic Prize Winner for the 2023 Food Sovereignty Prize.  The Food Sovereignty Prize is given to a domestic and international group annually and, along with BDFC, the Peasant Movement of Papaye - MPP, Haiti) will be the international winner.   2023 marks the 15th annual Food Sovereignty Prize. The Food Sovereignty Prize was initiated in 2009 by the International Links Committee of the Community Food Security Coalition, and has been continued by the US Food Sovereignty Alliance annually since 2013. The Food Sovereignty Prize ceremony opens space for the USFSA to publicly challenge industrial agribusiness, specifically the World Food Prize. Awarding the Food Sovereignty Prize allows us to spotlight struggles for food sovereignty and celebrate the achievements of grassroots organizers in the U.S. and globally.   As a Food Sovereignty Prize honoree, Black Dirt Farm Collective will be publicly recognized in the 2023 Food Sovereignty Prize Ceremony held virtually, with the exact date to be determined.

WATERMELON FESTIVAL WEEKEND 2023 was a success! 🎬🍉 Thank you so much for everyone that came to #WatermelonFestivalWeekend, spreading the word, and sharing all of your good energy. The goal for #WatermelonFestivalWeekend is to: re-introduce Black Dirt Farm Collective to a public community space, celebrate watermelons, BIPOC food ways and honor the Black Dirt Farm Collective Land. Here are some fun stats from the weekend: • 200+ festival goers (a sold out event!) • 100s of Black grown watermelon harvested and cultivated for BOTTOMLESS watermelon juice and slices, grown by Black farmers of the Mid Atlantic region, such as @byrdsnestbox , @doctorfarmerbrother + more • 20+ local businesses for festival activations, logistics and more - 95% are all Black businesses such as @thestandfoundation__ for Rodeo Zone, @goldenstudiosbykyna by @kynakool for Photo Booth activations and @the_domoneic_effect_ for Yoga + more • An estimated 10+ lbs of waste material such as watermelon rinds composted • Nearly 30% of ticket holders traveled from out of state • 30 overnight camp spaces • 20+ BIPOC kayakers, nearly 40% of guests kayaked for the first time ever • Over 90% Black-identifying festival goers • Friendly security and safety measures • Overnight bathroom facilities by @framilyfavoritesllc • 100% sober event Tag @b_d_f_c in your photos and video moments from this weekend! Did you come to Watermelon Festival Weekend? What do you think? What was your favorite part of the weekend? Let us know in the comments below 👇🏾 #blackdirtfarmcollective #bdfc #blackfarmers #blackownedland #mdfarmers #dcfarmers #vafarmers #bipocfarmers #bipocland #indigenouspeople #indigenousfood #environmentaljustice #landjustice #afroecology #afro #ecology #farmtotable #watermelon #watermelonfestival #watermelonrecipes #thingstododmv #thingstododc #thingstodomd #thingstodova #uppermarlboro #foodfestival #kehmarinorman #foodie #blkflwrmrkt

Full version of the mini Black Farmer Documentary that is focused on our last Afro Ecology Encounter August 23-August 25 ,2024. We had Black and Brown farmers, healers, scholars, mothers, and fathers from nationwide. This was the first encounter we hosted since 2017. It felt good to be back and to it in solidarity with our comrades @saafon_grows @dbcfsn_org @soilgeneration @persimmonfund @msassociationofcoop @nycagroecologyprocess @b_d_f_c We had fiber and natural dye workshops by @highhogfarm @blue.lightjunction and we visted @3phfarm @doctorfarmerbrother farms. all PG county Watermelons provided by @byrdsnestbox , @3phfarm @doctorfarmerbrother Video Created by the great @adebayo_umoja

Este pasado Domingo recibimos en Pueblo Nuevo a la corilla hermosa de organización Black Dirt Farm Collective @b_d_f_c , y Earth-Bound @earthboundbuilding , organizaciónes aliadas de Organización Boricua de Agricultura Ecológica @organization_boricua . Tuvimos el honor de compartir nuestro trabajo con ellxs y de prepararles una sabrosa cena con los frutos de nuestra Tierra. Tener compas de lucha de lugares geográficamente distintos y ver qué mucho nos parecemos aún estando en lugares completamente distintos, nos llena de tanta solidaridad! ¡Gracias por visitar nuestro proyecto que con tanto amor y esfuerzo construimos! Podemos tener el mar de por medio pero la lucha es Internacional, es Global, es por la Vida, la Tierra y por las futuras generaciones. ¡Seguimos! #agroecologia #aliados #laluchasigue #solidaridad #soberaniaalimentaria #seguimos

Come celebrate, exhale and fellowship with a community of Black Farmers! We welcome you for a moment to collectively organize, share farm stories, vision and build while taking a shuttle-bus tour of 4-farms in PG County, MD. Enjoy some farm love through discussions, fellowship, and food. RSVP at [email protected] to receive more info and registration link. Space is limited and registration will be confirmed upon receipt of email. This event is for Black, Brown and Farmers of Colors. Space is available for farmers of all types, farm-hands or laborers, apprentices, land-owners, activists, herbalists, organizers and students of color! @junipersgarden_ @3phfarm @deeprootsfarm @doctorfarmerbrother @fatherof5fivefifths @farmer.myeasha

#tbt to last Saturday at the Watermelon Festival. Shout out to @b_d_f_c for hosting such an amazing event! We had a blast and can not wait to be apart of the next one. Shout out to our photographer @tchincreates for capturing the moments

THANK YOU from the Black Dirt Farm Collective 🍉🤎 Black Dirt Farm Collective is a ten-member, grassroots organization made up of Black rural and urban farmers & gardeners, chefs, scholar-educators, seed keepers KC entrepreneurs, food, land and environmental justice organizers- working to guide a political education process centered around Black agrarianism; how Black people live and work the land - Afroecology.

ONE WEEK AWAY until the @b_d_f_c Watermelon Festival Weekend 🍉 Grab your tickets today! We’re nearly sold out. Here’s an update: • GA Admission Tickets: ~70% sold out Overnight Camping Tickets: 100% SOLD OUT! Kayaking Tickets: 100% SOLD OUT! We’re excited to see you there! Any questions? Drop them in the comments below 👇🏾🍉 Hosted by @b_d_f_c , the Watermelon Festival is a weekend made to get BIPOC people outside and enjoying nature, while celebrating one of the most iconic indigenous crops - the Watermelon 🍉 TWO DAYS FILLED WITH OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: • Overnight Camping on 22-acres of @b_d_f_c ’s Black Owned land • Kayaking led by a Black woman instructor + Outdoor Education workshops • Horseback riding with @thestandfoundation__ • Birding Show by Rodney the Birdman • Wellness workshops such as a @blkflwrmrkt Smudge Stick Lab, Reiki in the Forest by @mariahgreendc 🌳, and Yoga! • Regional food expo featuring watermelon-centric cuisines • Multi-course meal and Farm to Table Breakfast curated by @b_d_f_c ’s @chefdobson • Moon Bounce • DJ sets by @r3msativa & @malcolm_x + Live Music by @toomuchtalentband • Watermelon tastings + more! • Hosted by @misslondonzhiloh • A 100% sober event! • Behind the scenes building of the Camp Shower Site, designed, built and led by @earthboundbuilding 🔨 #blackdirtfarmcollective #bdfc #blackfarmers #blackownedland #mdfarmers #dcfarmers #vafarmers #bipocfarmers #bipocland #indigenouspeople #indigenousfood #environmentaljustice #landjustice #afroecology #afro #ecology #farmtotable #watermelon #watermelonfestival #watermelonrecipes #thingstododmv #thingstododc #thingstodomd #thingstodova #uppermarlboro #foodfestival #kehmarinorman #foodie #blkflwrmrkt #dmvfoodie

We’re excited to announce @r3msativa as one of our headlining DJs for Watermelon Festival Weekend! 💃🏾🕺🏽🪩 R3M SATIVA is a Afro Boricua & queer non-binary Philly based Multidisciplinary Artist x DJ x Producer. SATIVA elevates the crowd with their melting pot of eclectic sounds and adaptable blends ranging from Philly/Jersey Club, Denbow, Techno, & Vogue. “Im so excited to come back to such historical land! My time spent at Black Dirt was life changing. I was going through so much at the time but connecting with the soil and community helped me get through some difficult times. I’m coming back with more passion and I’m ready to eat the decks up! I’m doing this for the Diaspora baby!! 🌏 I’m excited to bring my partner and friends to this much needed retreat! Watermelon Festival is bout to be litttyyyyyy!!!” - @r3msativa Be ready to POP that BOOTY with R3M SATIVA on the 1’s & 2’s 💕 JUST EIGHT MORE DAYS TO REGISTER! Check out the link in bio to cop your tickets today! #blackdirtfarmcollective #bdfc #blackfarmers #blackownedland #mdfarmers #dcfarmers #vafarmers #bipocfarmers #bipocland #indigenouspeople #indigenousfood #environmentaljustice #landjustice #afroecology #afro #ecology #farmtotable #watermelon #watermelonfestival #watermelonrecipes #thingstododmv #thingstododc #thingstodomd #thingstodova #uppermarlboro #foodfestival #kehmarinorman #foodie #blkflwrmrkt #dmvfoodie

🚨 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! 🚨 We need your help preparing 150 painted gourds to support @b_d_f_c Watermelon Festival 🍉 with artist @jessicavaloris 🎨 NO painting experience necessary. Family-friendly. Gourds, paint and materials are all provided. See you Thursday, 8/3 and Saturday, 8/5 - LINK IN BIO! Have you copped your tickets to DMV’s First BIPOC-Only Watermelon Festival 🍉? Brought to you by @b_d_f_c the Watermelon Festival is next month, August 19th - August 20th! Hosted by @b_d_f_c , the Watermelon Festival is a weekend made to get BIPOC people outside and enjoying nature, while celebrating one of the most iconic indigenous crops - the Watermelon 🍉 TWO DAYS FILLED WITH OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: • Overnight Camping on 22-acres of @b_d_f_c ’s Black Owned land • Kayaking led by a Black woman instructor + Outdoor Education workshops • Wellness workshops such as a @blkflwrmrkt Smudge Stick Lab, Reiki in the Forest by @mariahgreendc 🌳, and Yoga! • Regional food expo featuring watermelon-centric cuisines • Multi-course meal and Farm to Table Breakfast curated by @b_d_f_c ’s @chefdobson • DJ sets by @r3msativa & @malcolm_x + Live Music by @toomuchtalentband • A 100% sober event! • Behind the scenes building of the Camp Shower Site, designed, built and led by @earthboundbuilding 🔨 ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?! Check out the link in our bio! Tickets on sale with a $10 discount until the end of July - no promo code needed! See you there?! Content by @curryhackett ✨🍉 follow him for one of a kind AI visuals! #blackdirtfarmcollective #bdfc #blackfarmers #blackownedland #mdfarmers #dcfarmers #vafarmers #bipocfarmers #bipocland #indigenouspeople #indigenousfood #environmentaljustice #landjustice #afroecology #afro #ecology #farmtotable #watermelon #watermelonfestival #watermelonrecipes #thingstododmv #thingstododc #thingstodomd #thingstodova #uppermarlboro #foodfestival #kehmarinorman #foodie #blkflwrmrkt #dmvfoodie

The Beat of the Melon 🍉🪘 Farmer @doctorfarmerbrother ’s MD-grown watermelon will be one of the Mid-Atlantic BIPOC growers offering melons for sale at the @b_d_f_c DMV Watermelon Festival 🍉 ONE MORE DAY FOR EARLY CROP TICKETS! Have you copped your tickets to DMV’s First BIPOC-Only Watermelon Festival 🍉? Brought to you by @b_d_f_c the Watermelon Festival is next month, August 19th - August 20th! Hosted by @b_d_f_c , the Watermelon Festival is a weekend made to get BIPOC people outside and enjoying nature, while celebrating one of the most iconic indigenous crops - the Watermelon 🍉 TWO DAYS FILLED WITH OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: • Overnight Camping on 22-acres of @b_d_f_c ’s Black Owned land • Kayaking led by a Black woman instructor + Outdoor Education workshops • Wellness workshops such as a @blkflwrmrkt Smudge Stick Lab, Reiki in the Forest by @mariahgreendc 🌳, and Yoga! • Regional food expo featuring watermelon-centric cuisines • Multi-course meal and Farm to Table Breakfast curated by @b_d_f_c ’s @chefdobson • DJ sets by @r3msativa & @malcolm_x + Live Music by @toomuchtalentband • A 100% sober event! • Behind the scenes building of the Camp Shower Site, designed, built and led by @earthboundbuilding 🔨 ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?! Check out the link in our bio! Tickets on sale with a $10 discount until the end of July - no promo code needed! See you there?! Content by @shaniquethekreativevegan ✨🍉 follow her for watermelon recipes! #blackdirtfarmcollective #bdfc #blackfarmers #blackownedland #mdfarmers #dcfarmers #vafarmers #bipocfarmers #bipocland #indigenouspeople #indigenousfood #environmentaljustice #landjustice #afroecology #afro #ecology #farmtotable #watermelon #watermelonfestival #watermelonrecipes #thingstododmv #thingstododc #thingstodomd #thingstodova #uppermarlboro #foodfestival #kehmarinorman #foodie #blkflwrmrkt #dmvfoodie