Southern Agrarian Training Center Fund

In 2015, Kevin and Teresa Springs left their non-profit careers in Florida and moved to rural Mississippi with $300 to their name and no prior farming experience: Something in the land called to them. With the guidance of neighboring farmer elders, they built a thriving farm on land that’s been in Kevin’s family for four generations- complete with chickens, cows, goats, and acres of fruits and vegetables. Since the start of the pandemic, they've regularly distributed free food to over 30 Black families and a food pantry.

The Springses dedicated themselves to gaining as much knowledge as possible from their neighboring elders– most of whom are over 75 years old. They know they must work thoughtfully yet urgently to preserve and pass on elders' knowledge to the next generation to steward.

“There’s nothing here but learning and healing” - Ms. Teresa

 

Mississippi has the highest proportion of Black farmers in the country, the majority of whom are over 65 years old. “We learn so much every time we work with our neighbors,” Ms. Teresa says, “But our time with them is limited. We want to soak up everything we can to pass it on.”

 

Mr. & Ms. Springs are now working to build a Southern Agrarian Training Center to preserve the Black agrarian legacy through teaching sustainable agricultural and land-based skills for self-determination to young Black farmers and youth. Their vision is simple: this center will bridge the gap between older Black farmers and the next generation, passing on the art of agrarian living.

 

The center will be a space for multi-generational convergences of Black farmers and cultural workers, hosting student groups and interns for extended stays and mentorship-building, and hosting other groups invested in food justice and sustainable agriculture.

“We envisioned this center as a space for learning regardless of experience level. Where people can feel comfortable saying “I don’t know,” “help me,” and “great job.” A space where critiques are offered as a pillar to growth and inclusivity. Where we believe and trust one another, and learn to transmit courage through working and building together.”

 

“We envision a space where people can come to our farm, learn, practice and execute their new skills. Where folks can see the value of the agrarian experience and soak up the therapeutic benefits of farm and rural life.”

 

“We envision working together to not only benefit our communities today but also generations to come. Our center will be nested in a network of small farming communities, where trade and skill-sharing are fundamental to how we interact.”

 

With your help, we will source materials and begin building the center this summer, June 2022. All funds raised directly benefit the materials and labor costs of building the center.

 

“I feel the energy of an ancestral beacon. Guiding us to build a community that echoes our elders’ memories of this land. To be a part of building something new yet familiar. It is a feeling that cannot really be described... it’s about land and people; it’s about building in a specific place, time. Building toward the future we all deserve.” - Ms. Teresa Springs

To donate directly, Venmo @ancestralbe-kin (search under business accounts). Contact phacelia for more options. Tax-deductible receipts are available for donations over $300. Thank you!