This week the nation honored Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, when President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Recognition of Juneteenth at the municipal, state and federal levels is a step in the right direction toward cultural healing, and we have a long way to go before realizing an equitable society. 

 

The industrial food system, designed to “feed and nourish all” is rooted in and continues to perpetuate exploitation and inequality. Of all the farmland in the United States, 98% is owned by white farmers, with 2% owned by farmers of color. This data reflects land loss among Black and Indigenous farmers through generations, and reminds us that racial justice necessitates a significant shift in land ownership.

 

A respected racial justice food activist once said, “We can't talk about food without talking about land, and we can't talk about land without talking about racism.” Industrial food and agriculture must be framed within the context of slavery and white supremacy. Transformation can not happen unless we understand the origins of that which we are transforming. We begin by acknowledging, honoring, and talking about how the shadow of history is reproduced today.