Annual Impact Report 2024
CULtivating black food sovereignty
Reflecting on our ninth year, the National Black Food & Justice Alliance stood firmly in our theme—“Cultivating Black Food Sovereignty.” During 2024, we protected Black land stewardship, fortified Black-led food systems by weaving together farmers, cooperatives, and urban gardens, and invested in the community-driven infrastructure that seeds long-term climate and economic resilience. Grounded in ancestral wisdom and powered by grassroots organizing, this report chronicles the milestones we’ve reached, the challenges we’ve confronted, and the collective strategies guiding our path forward, offering a clear picture of what it takes—and what it means—to nurture liberation from the soil up.
This year’s report was beautifully crafted by designer Jazz Peña.
Impact Reports 2021-2023
Designed by Amarie Baker
Designed by Margaret McBride
Designed by LC Morrissette
Report: Rethinking Market Studies Research Project
providing strategies to aid Black co-ops in advancing community development and Black food systems
A report that investigates the scope and pitfalls of traditional market studies research
A Toolkit for black cooperators
We're excited to share recommendations and strategies from our Rethinking Market Studies Research Project with our Black cooperative community and beyond. We’ve provided 7 different tools to engage with and to share our findings,
recommendations, and materials.
Guide to Food Terms
This guide was curated by Communications & Culture Coordinator, isis amusa
The Black Food Justice Glossary stands as a dynamic resource, continually evolving to meet the needs of Black curious minds invested in understanding and engaging with the Black food movement. It serves as a comprehensive guide, illuminating the diverse perspectives, organizing efforts, and terminology integral to this vital work.
The significance of a shared language within our community cannot be emphasized enough; it serves as a bridge that connects us, fosters understanding, and enables effective collaboration. By making commonly used terms widely accessible, we aim to democratize knowledge, empower individuals and organizations, and cultivate a deeper awareness of the complexities and nuances inherent in Black food justice work.
This living, breathing guide is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, education, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and liberation in the realm of food sovereignty.
Recent News & Announcements
NBFJA Newsletter
Subscribe for our newsletter to receive emerging updates about our collective work
NBFJA Book Club
Our work is rooted in connecting our hearts and whole selves in creating political space together. Check out our reading list below from our virtual book club, hosted by lauren m. jones of yes, please.
additional Readings
Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice
A Dream Foreclosed: Black America and the Fight for a Place to Call Home
Films/Videos
Detroit Urban Agriculture Movement Looks to Reclaim Motor City
Taking over, Taking back (Password: “homes”)
Webinars
Striving for Black Food Sovereignty – Stewards for the Land
Today, we’re talking to Dr. Jasmine Ratliff, who goes by Dr. Jas, and is an applied food systems research and policy specialist, and co-executive director of the National Black Food and Justice Alliance. She believes that your zip code should not determine your life expectancy and that building relationships are essential to creating a sustainable and just food system.
Sanford School of Public Policy Podcast at Duke July 14, 2022
Black Feminist freedom dreams - NBFJA co-founder, dara cooper
“Black Feminist Freedom Dreams: Food Sovereignty and the Urgency of Intersectional Movement Building” What will it take to truly transform the food system? What is ultimately our north star within the food movement? During this presentation, food movement activist and organizer Dara Cooper, National Organizer for the National Black Food and Justice Alliance, calls on the brilliance of Black feminist theory and praxis to ground us in imagining a path forward towards food sovereignty. Leaning on historical and contemporary examples, we will explore why race, class and gender is essential to understanding our work towards justice in the food system. We will also explore how we understand food justice and food sovereignty in the context of our ultimate goal---freedom.
University of Michigan | Food Literacy for All | April 9, 2019
What's Land Got to Do with It? The Role Land Plays in Our Social Movements: Past, Present, & Future
This session sought to make space and learn from frontline leaders working at the intersection of climate justice, sovereignty and land justice. The conversation acknowledged the history and current work of the Land Justice Movement while exploring the relationships on the ground that are paving the way for future generations to advocate for transformative change as we face systemic racism and the dire realities of climate change.
November 17, 2020
New Communities is one of the first community land trusts (legal structures) in the country and continues the legacy today on a 1600+ acre retreat and confer...
An Evening with Mrs. Shirley Sherrod and Dr. Monica White
New Communities is one of the first community land trusts (legal structures) in the country and continues the legacy today on a 1600+ acre retreat and conference center. See this pre-recorded discussion on exciting new leadership opportunities with New Communities and Southwest Georgia Project and all of the incredible work they're up to. Mrs. Shirley Sherrod was joined by Dr. Monica White to discuss some of the historical legacy and contemporary visions and plans forward.
November 19, 2020