This Black History Month, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the historical context and critical importance of land. Over the last century, Black farmers in the U.S. have lost more than 62% of their land due to systemic barriers such as discriminatory policies and lack of access to funding and resources.Yet, despite these challenges, in the last 8 years there has been a 14% increase in Black-owned farms thanks to the leaders who are pioneering efforts to restore farmland ownership.
The Crisis of Land Loss
The loss of land among Black farmers is a modern-day crisis with far-reaching impacts. Land is the foundation for addressing food insecurity, fostering sustainable agriculture, and creating generational wealth. Reclaiming land ownership is not just about restoration; it’s a vital step toward equity and empowerment.
Celebrating Successful Land Acquisition Efforts within Big Green’s Community
At Big Green, we’re proud to celebrate DAO community organizations that are making significant strides in acquiring land for Black farmers and communities. Since the inception of the DAO, multiple organizations within the DAO have acquired land. These successes are driven by grassroots efforts — demonstrating the power of community-led initiatives to build thriving farms and food systems for Black communities.
Duron Chavis, Happily Natural Day
Duron Chavis, founder of Happily Natural Day in Richmond, VA is shifting the narrative around land ownership using innovative solutions like land trusts and conservation easements to ensure that Black farmers and communities can own and steward land for generations to come. His work actively addresses racial discrimination and injustice in the food and agricultural system through initiatives like urban farming, community gardening, and advocating for food justice.
“[Land acquisition] is one of the largest impasses for us to address. Issues related to food access and food justice explicitly revolve around where we have land and have control over land,” says Chavis.
Land is more than soil and space — it’s the foundation for food security and sustainability. By prioritizing land acquisition, we prioritize equity, empowerment, and a more just future.
This Black History Month and beyond, let us honor the grassroots leaders working to restore land ownership. These efforts are crucial to addressing food justice and building resilient, sustainable communities.
Sources:
(2024, February 1). Black Land Loss in the United States. FoodPrint. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://foodprint.org/issues/black-land-loss-in-the-united-states/
USDA NASS, 2022 Census of Agriculture.
