Join us for a viewing of Farming While Black, a feature-length documentary film which examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the United States. Learn more about the rising generation reclaiming their rightful ownership of land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots on Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 5-7 p.m. in the Foster Auditorium at the Paterno Library.
The event will feature a panel of experts sharing their perspectives on Black agriculture in America and connecting the film’s themes to Penn State’s campus, communities and organizations.
Panelists include Milton Newberry III, Ph.D., director of student advocacy and access programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences; Robin Perry-Smith, Penn State Urban Extension educator; and Ann Holt, professor of art education. Student Farm Club members will also participate, offering a student perspective on the discussion.
Black farmers owned 14% of all American farmland in 1910. As a result of racism, discrimination, and dispossession, that number dropped below 2%. The film chronicles Leah Penniman, co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, and two other Black farmers’ efforts to reclaim their agricultural heritage.
Penniman’s Soul Fire Farm cohorts help propel a rising generation finding strength in the deep historical knowledge of African Agrarianism. Penniman’s mission in creating Soul Fire Farm was to end racism in the food system and reclaim her ancestral connection to land.
The work of Penniman and Soul Fire Farm has been recognized by the Soros Racial Justice Fellowship, Fulbright Program, Pritzker Environmental Genius Award, James Beard Leadership Award, and more.
“This film beautifully overviews key historical facets of black farming in America, including land and resource access, food sovereignty, and social movements,” said Marta Plumhoff, event planner of this screening. “It is a necessary education for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, equity, and the food system we participate in every day.”
The film aims to create greater support for Afro-Indigenous Food Sovereignty, such as Soul Fire Farm, Black Dirt Farm Collective, and Rise & Root Farm.
We hope you’ll join us Feb. 18 for a viewing of this impactful film, relevant for anyone passionate about food systems and Black Agrarianism. Those who plan on attending can park their cars in the HUB parking deck at an hourly rate.