Alexandria’s Green Spring Gardens is hosting a Juneteeth celebration at the garden from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 18.
With a discussion of the past, present and future of black gardening clubs in Virginia from guest speakers Teri Speight and Abra Lee, as well as a discussion of the benefits of natural spaces in the black community from environmental educator Maya Alexander, this event aims to educate the public around community health and to advance environmental awareness.
For Alexander, a major talking point is the separation between food production and the consuming public.
“[oftentimes], we just go to stores and buy things. We do not necessarily grow our own products. Yes we can, but I think we are conditioned to go to the store and buy something when we need it,” Alexander said.
This separation of product production, along with the other foods we eat, often leaves the general public unaware of the plastic additives that may be in them, while virtually eroding the public’s knowledge of gardening and farming techniques. .
“[It] really doesn’t give us as much control as consumers in terms of plastic use and what goes into our bodies,” Alexander added.
While this lack of control in our food landscape can create mental and physical health issues, Alexander stressed the importance of encouraging traditional food production and farming techniques to further liberate communities of color.
“Speaking as a woman of color, our ancestors lived off the land, they inhabited. They grew their own food. Yes, they still went to the store, but they knew what they were putting in their bodies. There was no use of plastic like [there is] now,” Alexander said.
Following in the footsteps of her ancestors, Alexander dreams of one day farming her own land, adding that she believes a movement towards liberation can be achieved through more self-sufficient methods of food production.
As communities of color have historically been excluded from the natural green spaces of their surroundings, Alexander hopes to encourage the public to advance change in their own relationship with the food they consume.
“Often I think we focus on the past, which needs to be acknowledged, but I think it’s also good to look forward and talk about the many ways that black communities can break free and find freedom. “, said Alexander. , “That’s what Juneteeth is about.”
Additionally, through his presentation, Alexander will educate the public about his own place in the environment and how the public can work towards its preservation.
“A big part of that is helping people realize that there’s no need to go to [national parks]. They are beautiful, yes, and you should go there, but also what you have around you is very close to nature and you are part of it,” said Alexander.
