Session #3: Unearthing Race and Food Justice: A Historic Exploration
Date: Monday, June 10
Overview:
Through interactive activities and discussions using resources from the Historic Northampton website, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the history of race and food justice in Hampshire County's food systems. By the end of the session, participants will reflect on their own relationship to race and racism and how it manifests in our food systems.
Key Takeaways
“We were seasonal people living in the forest and valleys during winter. During the summer, spring, and fall, we moved to the rivers, ponds, and ocean to plant crops, fish, and gather foods from the forests” (26).
Additional Resources
Reading Materials:
Podcasts:
Docuseries:
Reflection Questions
Biography reflections
What is surprising to you or stands out about their story?
What forms of resistance and resilience are evident in the biographies of these enslaved individuals?
How did enslaved Africans in Hampshire County resist their conditions and assert their humanity?
In what ways can understanding this history help address current racial inequities in local food systems?
How do the stories of these enslaved individuals impact your understanding of race and food justice in your own community?
What connections can you draw between the historical injustices faced by enslaved Africans and the modern challenges in our food systems?
What similarities and differences do you notice between the experiences of enslaved Africans in Hampshire County and those in other parts of the country?
For BIPOC participants
How has your race influenced your access to food and your experiences within food systems?
Can you share any specific instances where you faced racial barriers or discrimination related to food?
How have you or your community built resilience in the face of racial inequities in food systems?
What cultural practices or traditions related to food have been important in maintaining your community’s identity and strength?
What support do you need from allies and the broader community to address food justice issues?
How can food justice movements better center and uplift the voices and experiences of people of color?
What is your vision for a racially equitable food system in Hampshire County?
What steps do you think are necessary to achieve this vision, and how can community members of all races contribute?
For white participants
How has your race influenced your relationship with food and food systems throughout your life?
Can you recall specific instances where you observed or benefited from racial privilege in food-related contexts?
How do you perceive the historical and ongoing impacts of racial injustice in Hampshire County’s food systems?
What are some ways in which racial inequities manifest in our local food systems today?
What steps can you take to become more aware of and address racial disparities in food justice?
How can you use your privilege to support and amplify the voices of marginalized communities in food justice efforts?
What challenges do you face when discussing race and food justice with other white individuals?
How can you engage other members of your community in conversations and actions towards racial equity in food systems?
Next Session
Date: POSTPONED
Overview: Participants will explore the oppressive tools that are impacting our local food systems and the ways local organizations and workers have come together to address them.
Visual Gallery
A section where you can add relevant images from the session or related to the session’s topic.