Amidst the bustling sounds of children playing at a nearby elementary school and the everyday life of West Sacramento, We Grow Farms stands as a beacon of community agriculture. Tucked away just a stone’s throw from California’s bustling state capital, Nelson Hawkins has breathed new life into a once forgotten plot, transforming it into a verdant hub that not only feeds but also fosters the spirit of the surrounding community. On a leased half-acre, this regenerative urban farm draws in residents, learners, and pollinators alike.

Six fruitful years have passed, with Hawkins deeply rooted in both the land and the community, investing upwards of $40,000 in soil and irrigation alone. Yet, as the urban fabric weaves its relentless pattern, the farm faces displacement due to the lot owner’s plans to develop affordable housing, a pressing need in its own right.

Nelson Hawkins, a steward of the soil and a symbol of Black agricultural leadership, offers a tangible connection from farm to table, providing the local community with abundant fresh produce, including staples like collard greens and tomatillos, right at their doorstep. Additionally, his contributions extend to food assistance programs and CSAs, generously donating a quarter of the farm’s yield.

The precariousness of small-scale farming is magnified by challenges ranging from climate extremes to the volatility of costs and market prices. This instability hits hardest for those who do not own the land they till, a group that disproportionately includes Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers. Within the vast agricultural tapestry of the United States, BIPOC farmers hold less than two percent of the farmland.

To counter this imbalance, Hawkins, along with peers Nathaniel Brown and Keith Hudson, pioneered the Ujamaa Farmer Collective. Named after the Swahili term signifying extended family and cooperative economics, this nonprofit aspires to cement the agricultural foundation for marginalized farmers through shared land tenure and resources.

The California legislature, acknowledging the plight and potential of such initiatives, allocated $1.25 million to Ujamaa in 2022. This grant facilitated the purchase of a parcel in Yolo County, ensuring multiple farms can flourish on their plots within a collective framework, supporting one another.

By creating a network that thrives on mutual aid and shared responsibility, Ujamaa’s founders envision a model of farming that boosts every participant’s capacity to prosper. This aligns with broader movements, like The Butterfly Movement and the People’s Land Fund, that seek to reshape the agricultural landscape into one that is inclusive and equitable, particularly for BIPOC communities.

This push towards equitable farming is part of California’s broader commitment, initiated by the Farmer Equity Act of 2017, which strives to correct historical inequities in agricultural resources. Notably, this includes substantial investments in Black-founded communities and land restitution for tribal groups.

Even as Ujamaa heralds progress, challenges remain. The competitive land market in California and the emergence of corporate land grabs threaten the viability of small-scale and BIPOC farming operations. The stakes are high in a state where arable land is increasingly consolidated among a few landowners.

Nathaniel Brown’s Brown Sugar Farm stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of BIPOC farmers, flourishing against the odds on a compact plot in Citrus Heights. Yet, as his farm nears its spatial limits, the need for expansion becomes clear. Ujamaa’s new land presents a beacon of hope where dreams of growth and enhanced facilities can take root.

Collective ownership and governance not only provide stability but also echo a deeply cultural approach to land stewardship—a reminder of the cooperative resilience that has long underpinned the survival of marginalized communities. As these new custodians of the land look ahead, they carry the legacy of intentional community, ensuring their collective endeavor enriches both the land and the lives entwined with it.

Ujamaa’s mission extends beyond cultivation, targeting the chasm BIPOC growers face due to a lack of access to land and generational knowledge. Through collaboration and shared resources, they aim to weave a tapestry of regenerative practices and sustainable growth. The collective’s vision is not just to farmland but to nurture a fertile environment for communal empowerment and food sovereignty.

As We Grow Farms prepares for its transition, the spirit of what Hawkins and his colleagues have planted—a spirit of unity, resilience, and growth—promises to thrive in the fertile grounds of Ujamaa, cultivating a future where food and justice grow hand in hand.