Honoring Family Legacy: Preserving Farms for Future Generations

This past weekend I was beyond moved by visiting the Moore Family Farm, a century farm owned by one of my fellow black farmers. Months ago, I had a chance encounter to connect with Renee Moore. She called to invite me to become a part of a community of black farmers. As a first-generation farmer, I welcomed the opportunity to connect and to learn. Little did I know that this woman of great fortitude would give me so much more. She had been working on a project to memorialize Tennessee black agriculture history and her family farm. She invited me into the fold. While I know I am creating a pathway for my family and generations to come, it never really dawned on me the magnitude of the moment. While I was busy building, dreaming, learning, and praying, I was not thinking of history. I suspect most people never really do think of history but rather concentrate on the present. I thought about legacy but my trip this weekend solidified in my head that I am making history.

What better way to kick off our week focused on legacy. I couldn't have timed that any better if I tried. This week, in our new programming series "TooneUp Thursday" we will host a webinar on Legacy planning. We will dive into the law and what that means for families. It looks like the Moores did it right. I too hope that as generations of my family survive me, this work continues. The Moore Family Farm was started in 1870, over 100 years ago, at a time where black families were not purchasing land. If the Land Could Talk, I am sure it would share tales that would have us sitting on the edge of our seat. Fast forward, today that farm remains in the family and is still operational. While it looks different, it is being carefully restored and houses an exhibit for the world to see. It catalogs the history of the farm and so much more. It includes farmers like myself, new and old and shares our stories too. While I walked the land, I felt the presence of love, life, struggle, and triumph. Buried on the property where they held the Reunion Celebration were her ancestors who had toiled the land and had their final rest. Moore descendants had gathered and were enjoying the beauty of the day and the moment. As the programming went on, there were nods to our heritage to include the beating of the drums, singing, sage burning, and praying. There were eruptions of tears--- I am sure the tears were reflective of the magnitude of this moment and the missing of those who were not present to witness this awesome occasion. I felt the power of this time. The moment connected with my yearning to have a bridge between my ancestors and my future generations. A yearning that led me from the city to the country fueled by my desire to get back to my roots. A yearning to connect with the Earth and to live with joy and intentionality; respecting the land and the blessings that are given. A place where I can practice self-care and share with others. I was overwhelmed with deep gratitude for the invitation and to be included in this offering to the world. It became a full circle moment for me. It reaffirmed my commitment to farm, educate, and create a space that advocates health and wellness via Farm Therapy. As a young woman, I endured personal crises; garden therapy helped me cope. Covid came and it created a different path; garden therapy was transformed and became part of my soul work. Farm therapy is now an extension of that. Farm Therapy which focuses on body, mind, and the spirit, helps me serve those with whom I took the Hippocratic Oath to serve. My journey of farming continues and I am thankful for the walk. I am thankful for the Moore family who embraced me and my vision. I am history in the making. Legacy building is foundational. If you are interested in learning more about that century farm, please visit their website for more information. I look forward to the day when I can welcome you to Sassafras Farms, a place that brings me joy and peace. Here, I practice my mantra: I am Vital in my Body, Inspired in my mind, Balanced in my soul, and Engaged in my spirit. Sassafras Farms embodies this V.I.B.E. I hope you embrace my mantra and lead an inspired life. This weekend truly inspired me!

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