Ashanti's Rest recovery fund

My name is Ashanti Williams, I am a black farmer who has been stewarding land for over twenty years predominantly in urban areas and most recently in rural white communities. Earlier this month I decided to step down from my position as a livestock apprentice because it became apparent that it was contributing to a decline in my physical and mental health. I have decided to return to the city for the time being to focus on recovery and connecting with volunteer projects that allow me to connect with my community. 

I must admit that as a black woman who has grown up with the narrative of always being "strong" and not asking for help ingrained in me, it is challenging for me to create this campaign. I am choosing to remind myself that it's okay to ask for support and that I am deserving of peace of mind and resources that don't require my exploitation. 

I am creating this campaign to raise funds to take a break while nurturing my overall well-being. With your support I will be able to focus on goals and projects that are more aligned with my values. Your contributions will be used to help pay for my basic living necessities for the remainder of the year.

My dream in life is to operate a farm of my own and start a collective with the goal of providing comfortable and supportive spaces for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) to learn about farming through a lens that is truthful about the history of agriculture in America. We remain resilient in spite of the horrendous history of the enslavement of African peoples, and  the genocide of indigenous peoples. I want to encourage and uplift the resilience that was developed as a result of and in spite of those experiences .


Thank you all so much for your considered support! This is not just a donation but an investment in me and the lives of others.