Back to the Roots: Memory, Inequality, and Urban Agriculture

Urban farmers and gardeners in Massachusetts are reclaiming cultural traditions, challenging systemic racism and injustice, demanding greater community control, and moving towards more equitable urban futures. Back to the Roots explores how urban agriculture is a critical domain for explorations and challenges to long-standing inequalities in cities and their inhabitants' bodies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 14 May 2021
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

Across the vibrant Commonwealth of Massachusetts, urban farmers and gardeners are embarking on a remarkable journey, reclaiming the rich cultural traditions associated with food, farming, and health. They are not only challenging systemic racism and injustice within the food system but also advocating for greater community control of resources in marginalized neighborhoods. Their unwavering commitment leads them toward their vision of creating more equitable urban futures.

In this vital endeavor, urban farmers and gardeners engage in a profound exploration of the cultural meanings and material legacies of the past. Through their narratives, Back to the Roots vividly showcases the critical role of urban agriculture in addressing and challenging the long-standing inequalities that shape the very fabric of cities and the bodies of their inhabitants.

By nurturing the land, urban farmers and gardeners not only provide fresh, nutritious food to their communities but also foster a sense of belonging and empowerment. They work tirelessly to break down barriers and promote inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has access to healthy, sustainable food sources.

Moreover, urban agriculture serves as a platform for social activism and community engagement. It brings people together, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective action. Through community gardens, farmers' markets, and educational programs, urban farmers and gardeners educate and empower their neighbors, empowering them to take control of their food systems and create a more just and sustainable future.

In addition to their ecological and social benefits, urban agriculture also contributes to the economic development of cities. By creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainable practices, urban agriculture helps to create a more vibrant and resilient local economy.

However, urban farming and gardening are not without their challenges. Urban spaces are often dominated by large corporations and developers, making it difficult for small-scale farmers and gardeners to access land and resources. Moreover, the legacy of colonialism and systemic racism continues to impact urban agriculture, with marginalized communities facing barriers to participation and success.

To address these challenges, urban farmers and gardeners are advocating for policy changes and community-driven initiatives. They are working to secure land rights for small-scale farmers, promote urban agriculture education and training, and create community-supported agriculture programs that provide access to fresh, healthy food for all.

In conclusion, urban farmers and gardeners are leading the way in reclaiming cultural traditions, challenging systemic racism and injustice, and creating more equitable urban futures. Through their unwavering dedication and innovative practices, they are shaping a more sustainable, just, and resilient world for generations to come.

Urban Farmers and Gardeners Reclaiming Cultural Traditions in Massachusetts:

Across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, urban farmers and gardeners are embarking on a transformative journey, reclaiming the rich cultural traditions associated with food, farming, and health. These passionate individuals are not only challenging systemic racism and injustice within the food system but also advocating for greater community control of resources in marginalized neighborhoods. Their unwavering commitment leads them toward their vision of creating more equitable urban futures.

In this vital endeavor, urban farmers and gardeners engage in a profound exploration of the cultural meanings and material legacies of the past. Through their narratives, Back to the Roots vividly showcases the critical role of urban agriculture in addressing and challenging the long-standing inequalities that shape the very fabric of cities and the bodies of their inhabitants.

By nurturing the land, urban farmers and gardeners not only provide fresh, nutritious food to their communities but also foster a sense of belonging and empowerment. They work tirelessly to break down barriers and promote inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has access to healthy, sustainable food sources.

Moreover, urban agriculture serves as a platform for social activism and community engagement. It brings people together, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective action. Through community gardens, farmers' markets, and educational programs, urban farmers and gardeners educate and empower their neighbors, empowering them to take control of their food systems and create a more just and sustainable future.

In addition to their ecological and social benefits, urban agriculture also contributes to the economic development of cities. By creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainable practices, urban agriculture helps to create a more vibrant and resilient local economy.

However, urban farming and gardening are not without their challenges. Urban spaces are often dominated by large corporations and developers, making it difficult for small-scale farmers and gardeners to access land and resources. Moreover, the legacy of colonialism and systemic racism continues to impact urban agriculture, with marginalized communities facing barriers to participation and success.

To address these challenges, urban farmers and gardeners are advocating for policy changes and community-driven initiatives. They are working to secure land rights for small-scale farmers, promote urban agriculture education and training, and create community-supported agriculture programs that provide access to fresh, healthy food for all.

In conclusion, urban farmers and gardeners are leading the way in reclaiming cultural traditions, challenging systemic racism and injustice, and creating more equitable urban futures. Through their unwavering dedication and innovative practices, they are shaping a more sustainable, just, and resilient world for generations to come.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813590141