What Have Black People Lost That We Actually Had?

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i think a, when you talk about the great migration, right? That period from, you know, i think it was 19 14 all the way up toi the early seventies en ah. They were leaving because of vi ence and terror and theft. But they're also leaving because, in many cases, they were driven off of their farms. And so they move to metropolitan centres in the northeast or the midwest,. Or they came out west, like my dad did. It's very complicated, but it's rich and frustrating, you know, interesting as a story teller, right?

Farming has been a huge part of our history and culture for generations. But, there’s a part of the story that’s so often left out of the popular lore: the history, stories, and contribution of Black farmers. It’s so important to understand this part of our heritage, not only to acknowledge the challenges and contribution, but also because it’s had a profound effect on our food systems to health, education, economics, and beyond. In today’s conversation with Natalie Baszile, we dive into the history and stories, not just of the past, but of present and returning farmers. Natalie holds a M.A. in Afro-American Studies from UCLA and is a graduate of Warren Wilson College’s MFA Program for Writers. She is the author of the novel Queen Sugar, which was adapted for television by writer/director Ava DuVernay and co-produced by Oprah Winfrey for OWN.

Natalie’s stunning new anthology, We Are Each Other’s Harvest, is filled with essays, poems, quotes, conversations, and first-person stories that examine Black people’s connection to the American land from Emancipation to today, with a strong focus on what she calls the Returning Generation. It elevates the voices and stories of Black farmers and people of color, celebrating their perseverance and resilience, while spotlighting the challenges they continue to face. This collection helps all of us better understand the rich history and contribution of Black farmers. Plus, the book, itself, filled with imagery, is visually gorgeous as well.

You can find Natalie at: Website | Instagram

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