in the field: Black Yield Institute
Black Yield Institute is a Baltimore-based power institution cultivating self determination through Black Land and Food Sovereignty. This past month, the National Black Food & Justice Alliance had the opportunity to meet with BYI’s team to learn more about their current work within the Cherry Hill neighborhood of Baltimore.
The organization was founded in 2015 by Brother Eric Jackson, a Cherry Hill native who bleeds for his Baltimore neighborhood, and it has since grown to include a small and dynamic staff equally as passionate about their neighbors and the struggle for liberated Black land and foodways.
Farm manager, Myaesha Taylor, took us on a tour of their urban farm, People’s Urban Agriculture, which serves as a model for local food production and land stewardship. This is just one of their initiatives that directly addresses the lack of access to fresh and healthy produce in their neighborhood.
ACCORDING to Baltimore’s Department of Planning and Johns’ Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, 31 percent of all Black residents live in areas with low access to healthy food items–three and a half times the rate of white residents. - Katie Howell, Food Tank
Afterwards, Brother Eric Jackson led us on an intimate tour of Cherry Hill. There wasn’t a person who passed by who didn’t know the work of Black Yield Institute. They especially anticipated the launch of the co-operatively grocery store that’s currently in development.
Along with their urban farm, BYI centers its work on Black-led research, political education, and organizing. They recently announced the launch of their organizer training program, The Fire Kit Apprentice Program, which provides an in depth experience combined of both political and practical knowledge that allows participants to create and sustain liberatory movements. In June, BYI will be hosting a community event over Juneteenth weekend, commemorating ancestor, Ms. Juanita with the unveiling of a mural in her honor as well as holding space for communal building, healing, and celebration.
Black Yield Institute, unapologetic about the work and the necessity of Black food and land sovereignty, along with the Farm Alliance of Baltimore, recently publishedTHE PEOPLE’S DEMAND FO LAND REPARATIONS IN THE BALTIMORE CITY.
The energy of Baltimore City is resilience and we are excited to support and amplify our brothers and sisters on the ground committed to the right and dignity of collective freedom.
For more on Black Yield Institute, check out their WEBSITE and make sure to follow them on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK. In the words of Brother Eric, “Keep the flame.”
