Help Us Relocate Black Farmer-owned Rootwork Herbals

Help Us Relocate Black Farmer-owned Rootwork Herbals in the Face of Racial Harassment and Threats

Amanda David, a Black herbalist, educator, and founder and primary land steward of Rootwork Herbals, the People’s Medicine School, and the Jane Minor BIPOC Medicine Garden, needs our financial support to relocate to a safer and more supportive environment in the face of relentless racial harassment and threats from her neighbor, since moving to her property in southeast Ithaca in 2020. This ongoing hostility has not only endangered her family but also disrupted the vital work of Rootwork Herbals, which is dedicated to providing herbal medicine education and access to Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). The People’s Medicine School was established to create a nurturing space where BIPOC individuals could connect, learn, and grow both food and medicinal plants.

This experience is a stark reminder of the systemic racism that Black farmers have faced for generations, from discriminatory lending practices to community violence and intimidation. Amanda is one of a generation of Black land stewards who have long struggled against violence, systematic and physical, hindering their ability to thrive and contribute to our food system.

Amanda envisioned her home as a sanctuary and community hub where marginalized individuals could reclaim their heritage and healing practices through herbal medicine. Unfortunately, this vision has been severely compromised by persistent racial harassment from her neighbor.

The Harassment

Since moving into their home, Amanda and her three children have been subjected to a series of racially motivated attacks, including:

Despite legal interventions, including arrests and court orders, the harassment has continued unabated, creating an environment of fear and insecurity for the David family and the broader community involved with Rootwork Herbals.

The Impact

The relentless racial harassment has profoundly impacted not only Amanda and her family but also the entire community served by the Rootwork Herbals, People’s Medicine School, and the Jane Minor BIPOC Medicine Garden.

Although the ongoing intimidation has disrupted the organization’s activities and created an additional barrier for BIPOC individuals, services for the community have continued and will continue to offer incredible virtual programming and herbal education.

The People’s Medicine School, Rootwork Herbals, and Jane Minor BIPOC Medicine Garden provide crucial education and a sense of belonging to BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ communities as they reconnect to the land and seek to understand their place within our food and health system through a lens of liberation.

Although the offerings remain powerful (check out our upcoming guest facilitator series!), it is an injustice that this space is being threatened by harassment, and we refuse to let it prevent us from continuing our work.

In order to do so, it is urgent that we be able to relocate.

The Urgent Need for Relocation

Given the severity and persistence of the harassment, it is critical to relocate the David family and Rootwork Herbals/Jane Minor BIPOC Medicine Garden to a safer location where they can continue their mission without fear and discrimination.

The relocation will:

How You Can Help

We are asking for your generous support to raise $200,000 to cover the costs of moving Amanda’s home, business, and animals.

These funds will be used for:

Your support will enable Rootwork Herbals to thrive in a safe environment, free from the threat of racial harassment and violence. Together, we can help preserve the invaluable work that Rootwork Herbals does for the BIPOC community.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for this community staple.

With gratitude,

The Rootwork Herbals Team