ROOTED: A Black History Celebration at the Local Farm Cooperative

SELMA, AL - The Local Farm Cooperative is excited to announce its upcoming Black History Month event, a celebration of culture, community, and culinary heritage. This special event will be held on February 24, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at 300 Wheeler Ave., Selma, AL, in partnership with the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth, and Reconciliation, the West Church of the Nazarene, and Wilcox Youth Entrepreneurship Program (WYEP).

The event, titled "ROOTED," will focus on uplifting the youth farmers and youth board members, highlighting Black history in Selma, emphasizing the legacy of Black farmers, and celebrating the rich traditions of Black food and soul food that is rooted in African cooking styles and flavors. There will also be an emphasis on building community connections and share about the farm's initiatives.

The program will kick off at 12:00 PM, followed by an educational segment starting at 12:10 PM. Include a welcome speech, background information about the cooperative, and introductions of board members, the heart of the program will explore the Black history of Selma, the significance of Black farming and soul food, and the art of spoken word. Youth board members will share their visions for the future of the farm, engaging the audience in participatory discussions and outlining how the community can be involved.

Transitioning to the fellowship hall at the West Church of the Nazarene, guests will served a feast blessed by Pastor Brenda Tyus and prepared by Tori Ratcliffe, board member of the cooperative and founder of Wilcox Wilcox Youth Entrepreneurship Program (WYEP). The menu features soul food staples like cornbread, collard greens, fried and baked chicken, rice, peas, a garden salad with fresh farm produce, and desserts including a special dish from a young farmer called “Akaiya’s banana pudding”. Beverages will include sweet tea and punch.

This event is more than a celebration; it's a place to honor the flavors, history, and community spirit that define the African American experience in Selma. We invite the community to come together, learn, eat, and envision a future that honors the rich heritage and promising future of Black farming and culinary traditions.

For questions, sponsorships, or press please contact Drew Glover, Farm Manager and Board Chair at farm@thelocal.coop or by calling 334-413-9984.

The Local Farm Cooperative is a member-owned, democratically run cooperative business in Selma, AL with a mission to provide access to fresh, healthy food, education, and green space, build deep connections and relationships, develop conscious youth leaders, and enhance the quality of life for all.