Host Michelle Lewis interviews Aisha Ellis on Finding Hope in the Climate Crisis about D-Town Farm, an extension of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network and a seven-acre urban farm in Detroit’s River Rouge Park operating on long-term city leases and farming about 2.5 acres since acquiring the former Meyers Nursery land in 2008. Ellis shares how concern about GMOs and feeding her young son led her to growing, and how she joined D-Town Farm through a 2013 internship after working as a dance teacher. She describes her start in the Food Warriors afterschool gardening program, teaching children to grow and taste fresh produce while learning how advertising shapes unhealthy food choices. Ellis frames farming as purpose, stewardship, and resistance, discusses challenges like pests, limited staff and reliance on volunteers, and highlights beehives, senior food distribution, a Harvest Festival around the equinox, and dbcfsn.org. She concludes with a “climate stick” vision of protecting a clean, healthy climate for everyone.
00:00 Welcome and Retreat Meet
01:16 D Town Farm Origins
02:49 Aisha Starts Growing
05:54 Food Warriors Kids Program
11:18 Why Farming Matters
13:13 Heat Waves and Harvest Joy
16:12 Favorite Crops and Pests
21:36 Volunteers and Farm Operations
23:37 Advice for New Growers
25:26 D Town Events and Support
27:27 Climate Stick Vision
28:57 Closing Thanks and Goodbye
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