Rubicon Participants honor Dr. King by developing a community garden in North Richmond
by Alisha Semplar, Community Connections Program Manager
A group of Rubicon participants and staff spent MLK Day servign alongside North Richmond residents for Urban Tilth's "Monarchs & Medicine" community event. The morning opened beautifully as Rubicon participants and Participant Advisory Board (PAB) leaders enjoyed a quick cup of coffee and breakfast before heading into the rich soil to begin planting trees, mustard plants, collard greens and other various seasonal vegetables.
A brief orientation opened the event at 9 a.m. as all volunteers were ushered to their respective work stations. Our work for the day included seed planting, tree planting, turning compost (prepping crop rows), filling wheelbarrows with soil for transport to tree planting site, shed structure construction, weed elimination, etc.
PAB leader Gail engaged in preparing rows of compost for crop implantation while PAB member Darease supported her two young children with seed planting in the tent. Alex, a PAB member and resident of the North Richmond Community shared:
“It feels good to contribute to a much needed community garden in a community that seems to be neglected and filled with poverty. Dr. King would be proud to see this large group of diverse folks out here today!”
Rubicon participant LaVonda spent time working closely with community members and Urban Tilth staff. She was able to connect to the weekly volunteer opportunity. “I am excited to continue this work on Saturdays. Hopefully my connection to this opportunity will guide me to a permanent gig providing service to my community.” In total, three participants have opted to continue with the farm volunteer efforts at least once a month on Saturdays.
Rubicon participants' children exhibited jovial spirits as they gained a sense of accomplishment by digging, planting and engaging in an activity that they didn’t classify as “work”. Parents commented on the improvement of their children’s mood as they spent almost five hours in the outdoors, enjoying nature and the beauty of planting healthy and nutritious food.
All participants received T-shirts, a continental breakfast and a healthy organic lunch comprised of savory soups prepared with nutritious ingredients similar to the crops planted that day. Vegan options were provided and served by Urban Tilth Executive Director, Doria Robinson and Urban Tilth staff.
Thank you to Urban Tilth for organizing this service day and for helping our community build a more sustainable, healthy, and just food system!