AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN LEADING CHANGE IN THE USA FOOD SYSTEM...

African American Women Leading Change in the U.S. Food System

Dear İsmail, Greetings from Baltimore! Women farmers and entrepreneurs are the backbones of food and agriculture systems around the world: in developing countries, women make up nearly half of the agricultural labor force and in some communities comprise 70-80 percent of the agricultural labor force. Unfortunately, women all over the globe tend to be ignored or undervalued as leaders in the food movement. In the United States, women of color—specifically African American farmers and advocates—are frustrated by a lack of diversity in leadership at conferences, business meetings, farmers’ markets, and restaurants. One of the factors leading to a lack of African American women in the food system is a cycle of invisibility: discriminatory industries gloss over the experiences of these women, downplaying stories of hope and success that may inspire future food leaders. Yet according to the 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, African American women are making a stand with their entrepreneurial talent in industries across the labor market, with the number of African American woman-owned businesses growing by 164 percent from 2007 to 2018. To honor the diverse experiences and stories of African American women in the food system, we’re highlighting 14 leaders whose businesses push for healthier and more sustainably grown food for all: Lynette Astaire, Superfood School; Tamala Austin, J.I.V.E.; Erika Boyd and Kirsten Ussery, Detroit Vegan Soul; Francesca Chaney, Sol Sips; Julia Collins, Zume Pizza; Tanya Fields, The Black Feminist Project; Jinji Fraser, Pure Chocolate; Kanchan Dawn Hunter, Spiral Gardens; Cynthia Nevels, SoulGood; Jamil Norman, Patchwork City Farms; Leah Penniman, Soul Fire Farm; Safia Rashid, Your Bountiful Harvest; Gail Taylor, Three Part Harmony Farm; and Karen Washington, Rise & Root Farm.  Sincerely, Danielle Nierenberg