RVFB stands in solidarity with our black community against the systemic oppression and racism in our country. The deaths of George Floyd, Eric Garner, Tanisha Anderson, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, and so many more innocent people are the cost of institutional violence and white silence.

To be alive and present to the needs of those around us—especially those we serve—is to continuously be aware of the filters through which we view the world. These filters are formed by some things that are learned, like our belief systems or our political views. Some filters are formed by things we have no choice in, like our race, our gender, and an enormous array of other factors that contribute to how we see ourselves, the world, and those around us. The more transparent our filters become, the better we are able to serve with true humility and compassion—two cornerstones of real justice. The more transparent our filters become, the more we are able to approach a deeper understanding of our fellow beings, and thus contribute to a more just society.

Racial inequality has been at the forefront of our news and conversations, and at RVFB we see that food access is innately linked with social justice. We asked community leader Kenya Fredie to share her thoughts on how growing food impacts social justice. Kenya wears multiple hats as Dept. Neighborhoods P-Patch Community Garden Coordinator, “Growing for Giving” Volunteer at Judkins P-Patch, and dedicated steward to her daughter, her earth, and her community.