A Letter in Solidarity and a Call for Support

Dear Friends and Allies,

As representatives of the Black Farmer Ecosystem — Black Farmer Fund, Black Farmers United – New York State Inc., Corbin Hill Food Project, Farm School NYC, Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, and Soul Fire Farm — we are writing to you in solidarity with amanda david and Rootwork Herbals, the People’s Medicine School, and the Jane Minor BIPOC Medicine Garden. amanda david, a Black herbalist, educator, and the primary steward of these organizations, urgently needs our support to relocate to a safe and more supportive environment due to relentless racial harassment and threats from her neighbor.

Since moving to her property in southeast Ithaca in 2020, amanda and her family have faced ongoing hostility that endangers their safety and disrupts the crucial work of Rootwork Herbals. This organization is dedicated to providing herbal medicine education and access to Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), creating a nurturing space where BIPOC individuals can connect, learn, and grow both food and medicinal plants.

Since moving into their home, amanda and her three children have endured a series of racially motivated attacks, including:

  • Repeated use of racial slurs and racially charged insults during amanda’s programming, teaching, and farming, negatively impacting her business and capacity to bring participants, and students to the land

  • Threats of physical violence, including a specific threat to beat amanda’s son with a stick.

  • Acts of vandalism, such as spray painting expletives on the family’s car and causing mechanical damage to their primary vehicle.

  • Shooting out a security light on amanda’s property with a pellet gun.

  • Shooting live rounds into the air during Rootwork Herbals' community events.

Despite legal interventions, including arrests and court orders, the harassment has continued, creating an environment of fear and insecurity for the david family and the broader community involved with the People’s Medicine School, Rootwork Herbals, and the Jane Minor BIPOC Garden whose operations are all housed on the property.

This situation 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’s experience is emblematic of Black land stewards' struggles, hindering their ability to thrive and contribute to our food system.

 Black Farmer Fund invests in Black agricultural and food systems entrepreneurs to build community wealth and advance economic justice. The Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust is committed to advancing land justice and securing land tenure for BIPOC farmers. Corbin Hill Food Project works to deliver fresh, healthy food to those who need it most, fostering connections between farmers and urban communities. Soul Fire Farm is dedicated to ending racism and injustice in our food system, providing training and resources for Black and Brown farmers. Farm School NYC offers agriculture education through a racial and food justice lens, empowering BIPOC communities to grow their own food. Black Farmers United – New York State Inc., advocates for policy changes and systemic support for Black farmers across the state.

Together, our organizations work to support farmers like amanda, who face systemic barriers and discrimination in their efforts to reclaim and steward land. amanda is one of the many farmers experiencing harassment and discrimination in our nation, part of the centuries-long history of violence and systemic racism against Black farmers, further hindering their ability to retain farmland and access generational prosperity. 

Given the severity and persistence of the harassment, it is critical that the david family and Rootwork Herbals/Jane Minor BIPOC Medicine Garden be relocated to a safer site where they can continue their mission without fear and discrimination. The relocation will:

  • Ensure the safety and well-being of amanda and her three children.

  • Provide a secure and welcoming environment for the BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ community that is a part of Rootwork Herbals, the People’s Medicine School, and the Jane Minor BIPOC Medicine Garden.

  • Allow Rootwork Herbals to continue its essential work in promoting herbal medicine education and access without disruption.

We are calling on our communities and allies to help us raise $200,000 to cover the costs of moving amanda’s home, business, and animals. These funds will be used for:

  • Relocation expenses, including moving services, transportation, and temporary storage.

  • Property acquisition and setup, including down payment, closing costs, and necessary renovations.

  • Animal relocation and care, including transport, veterinary care, and temporary housing.

  • Community garden and herbal medicine school setup, including garden infrastructure, plant and seed stock, and educational materials.

  • Safety and security measures for the new property.

Your support will contribute to Rootwork Herbals’ continued success and opportunity 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 support.

With gratitude,

The Black Farmer Ecosystem

Guest User