Edible Activist

Erin Cole, founder of Nurturing Our Seeds in Detroit, shares how a porch-side safety moment on Helen Street—mowing vacant lots for elders—grew from a first flower patch into mustard and turnip greens, and ultimately a neighborhood farm and seed-saving hub. We dig into living soil, herb-based compost teas, seed starting as food sovereignty as they supply transplants to 14 Black farms and save okra seed with the Ujamaa Seed Cooperative, and adapting to climate chaos with part-shade cucumbers. We also talk land access and how the Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund strengthens community control—plus Erin’s quest to breed a...

From living-room swaps to a decade of citywide pop-ups, Zsameria Rayford’s SWAP DC → SWAP Universe shows how style and sustainability move together. This episode digs into the operational backbone, the ethos, and the outcomes—thousands of pounds of textiles kept out of landfills while neighbors trade clothing, plants, books, and ideas. We connect circular fashion to health and land stewardship and outline replicable models for your own community swap. A clear, on-the-ground example of the community-rooted change celebrated on Edible Activist.

Najwa Womack, founder of SiStained8 in Washington, D.C., traces her path from early nature moments to teaching compost as the art of growing soil. She defines composting in plain language, explains essentials like source-separated organics and feedstock, and tackles common myths about smell and time. Najwa connects kitchen scraps to city-scale solutions—cutting landfill methane, strengthening local soil and food, and reducing flood risk. She shares simple ways to begin at home, in schools, and with community drop-offs, outlines a vision for more three-bin and tumbler sites, and reflects on her work as a U.S. Composting Council Advocate of...

Cotton has long been a cornerstone of American agriculture and culture. Julius Tillery, a fifth-generation cotton farmer and founder of Black Cotton, is reshaping how we see this iconic crop by turning it into a source of artistry, heritage, and opportunity. In this conversation with host Melissa L. Jones, Julius shares his journey of embracing his family’s legacy, raising awareness about the decline of Black cotton farmers, and inspiring future generations through culture, innovation, and a deep connection to the land.

Chef, storyteller, and advocate Antoinette Johnson takes us back to her Black Southern roots, where family traditions and community gatherings first sparked her love for food. She shares how those early influences—and moving across different states—shaped her culinary voice and storytelling lens, leading to her big win on America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation. This is a conversation about honoring heritage, amplifying Black foodways, and carrying legacy forward—tune in for a story that will leave you inspired and hungry for more.

After a traumatic brain injury in 2014, Chef Marly — a classically trained chef and Washington native — found healing in an unexpected place: the soil. In this episode, she shares her journey from the kitchen to farming, how growing food supported her recovery, and what’s been keeping her hands in the dirt this season.

In this episode of Edible Activist, Melissa sits down with Kenny and Cutt, the co-founders of Melon Nation — two Black farmers and agricultural specialists bringing fresh seeded watermelon and tropical fruits to communities across the East Coast. Together, they share how Melon Nation is building a vibrant supply chain rooted in health, sustainability, and cultural expression, while creating spaces where art, agriculture, and community flourish. From their mantra “It takes a seed to build a nation” to their mission of connecting rural, suburban, and urban communities, this conversation is all about the power of food to unite and inspire.

Ora Kemp, creator of The Bodega Bites, is on a mission to make sure everyone’s eatin’. As a 2025 Castanea Fellow and Senior Policy Advisor with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, she offers a candid look at New York City’s food landscape, the stakes for SNAP, and the difference between food insufficiency and insecurity. We also explore how rising food and housing costs are reshaping communities—and the bold ideas needed to build a just, resilient food system.

What would our world look like if Black imagination led the way? In this episode, Artistic Director Aisha Shillingford of Intelligent Mischief joins me to explore the power of speculative world-building as a tool for liberation, healing, and community transformation. We talk about what reparations and land justice could mean for our food systems, how Afro-futurism can reimagine our relationship to land and growing, and why cultural programming can be a catalyst for deep collective care. Together, we envision new, thriving worlds where Black people are sovereign, joyful, and free.

Chef Demi Unique approaches food as art, memory, and ancestral tribute. Trained at both the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and the Institute of Culinary Education, she blends her deep creative roots into immersive culinary storytelling. As a traveling artist, chef, and consultant, Demi uses food to honor lineage, build community, and create space—especially for Black folks. In this conversation, we explore her path into food, the influence of the women who shaped her journey, and how style, culture, and flavor come together in her work.

In this episode, Melissa sit down with Kela, a farmer and founder of Konterra Life Farms in Maryland. Kela is deeply rooted in regenerative, soil-first farming practices and is also a registered dietitian who understands the powerful connection between the land and our health. We talk about what it means to grow food that heals both people and the planet, the importance of soil health, and how education plays a big role in helping communities reconnect with where their food comes from.

In this episode of The Edible Activist, Melissa sits down with JR, founder and CEO of EightFold Farms DC, a network of hyperlocal urban farms transforming rooftops, lawns, and underused spaces in Washington, DC’s Wards 7 and 8. Frustrated by limited access to healthy food and inspired by global urban agriculture models, JR set out to reengineer the local food chain—starting with mushrooms. Tune in as JR shares how EightFold Farms is tackling food apartheid, building climate-smart farming solutions, and proving that urban agriculture can be both socially impactful and economically viable. From custom-designed farm units for chefs to the art...

In this episode, we sit down with Darrelynne Strother, founder of Châteaux Cocoa, where wellness takes root through gardening, beekeeping, and community care. From a childhood moment tossing cucumber seeds to leading hands-on beekeeping workshops, Darrelynne shares how personal healing blossomed into a mission grounded in joy, creativity, and connection. We talk about the magic of bees, lessons from the land, and what it means to grow wellness in an urban world.

In this episode, we sit down with Chi Walker—creative force, culinary curator, and one-half of the duo behind Fried Chicken and Caviar, the pop-up redefining what luxury looks and tastes like through a soulful, intentional lens. Chi invites us into her world of flavor, storytelling, and cultural reclamation, where ancestral roots meet culinary innovation. We explore the inspiration behind the name Fried Chicken and Caviar, the duality it represents in Black culinary traditions, and what it means to create elevated dining experiences that honor soul, heritage, and community. From spring garden influences to family food memories, Chi shares how he...

In this episode, we’re joined once again by LaMonika Jones, Director of State Initiatives at the Food Research & Action Center, for a food policy update. LaMonika breaks down key threats to SNAP at the federal level, offers insight into where we are in D.C.’s local budget process, and unpacks the broader impacts these decisions have on families. Together, we explore what’s at stake and how community members can take action. Disclaimer: This episode was recorded prior to the most recent federal updates to SNAP.

Meet Kizzy Anderson James—a fierce spirit cultivating community, creativity, and flavor straight from the soil. In this episode of Edible Activist, host Melissa L. Jones welcomes the dynamic force behind Anderson James Farm. Kizzy is an urban farmer, disabled veteran, chicken mama, and storyteller whose journey from military service to farm life is as inspiring as it is impactful. Together, they explore the roots of her entrepreneurial path, the power of raising chickens in the city, and how she fuses creativity into everything from her crops to her kitchen. Kizzy also shares memories of the family cooks who shaped he...

In this episode, we sit down with Tamara, the founder of Great Mother Garden Solutions, to explore the deep roots of land stewardship and herbal wisdom. From ancestral influences to the decision to grow her own herbs, she shares her journey of reconnecting with the earth. We unpack the overlooked healing power of dandelions, discover her favorite herbs for everyday use, and hear her heartfelt advice for aspiring growers looking to cultivate their own herbal gardens. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a curious beginner, this conversation is full of grounded insights and inspiration straight from the soil.

In this episode, we explore the rich tapestry of Black foodways with Josmine Evans, founder of Indigo Culinary & Co. As a cultural preservationist, chef, and storyteller, Josmine is on a mission to honor the culinary traditions of the African diaspora—one spice blend, one dish, and one story at a time. She shares how her travels across the African Atlantic have deepened her understanding of ancestral foodways and how her work with The Joy Project is helping to reclaim and celebrate these legacies. From preserving Black culinary traditions to using food as a form of resistance, Josmine invites us into a...

In this episode of Edible Activist, we’re joined by Olivia and Deja, co-Hub leaders of Black Girl Environmentalist DC. Focused on fostering an inclusive climate movement, they organize events in the District and surrounding areas to connect Black women to nature and environmental justice work. Tune in as they share the story behind Black Girl Environmentalist, their efforts to shift narratives, and what environmental justice looks like when led by Black and Brown communities.

As we step into March, I’m reflecting on what it means to march forward—with purpose, even when the ground beneath us feels unsteady. In this episode, I share thoughts on resistance, the quiet ways we push back, and why rest is just as important as the fight. Plus, I’m talking about my plans to reclaim the outdoors and an upcoming event you don’t want to miss—the Taking Nature Black conference. Let’s keep marching, y’all. Stay rooted, stay present, and let’s move forward together.

In this episode of Edible Activist, we’re kicking off the year with a powerful conversation about Taking Nature Black, a conference dedicated to celebrating Black leadership in the environmental movement. As an official media sponsor, I’m honored to amplify this year’s theme: “Reclamation & Resilience”—a call to reclaim our narratives, protect our land, and build a sustainable future. Check out our Edible Activist T-shirt collection! Every purchase supports our mission, helping us continue creating impactful content for our community. Thank you for your support!

Join me as I reflect on 2024—celebrating Edible Activist’s key milestones, and the exciting journey ahead in amplifying Black voices in growing spaces.

Catch the full live episode on YouTube to experience the energy firsthand! Tune in for an inspiring celebration of resilience, community, and the legacy of "The People's Farmer."

https://youtu.be/3jE_6OSPJA0

In this episode, we sit down with Najee Ellerbe, founder of Everybody's Juice, to explore the journey behind his growing health-focused business. We revisit his origin story, building on his previous appearance in Episode #56, and discuss the biggest lessons he's learned along the way. Najee also shares the benefits of ashwagandha, a supplement he offers through Everybody's Juice, which played a key role in his own healing journey. Finally, he explains how he integrated HSA/FSA into his business model to make healthy juice more affordable and accessible.

In this episode of Edible Activist, we welcome back LaMonika Jones, Executive Director of DC Hunger Solutions, to discuss the latest updates on SNAP benefits, focusing on the changes with Give SNAP a Raise and its impact on families in the District. We’ll also delve into the Farm Bill, highlighting the importance of finalizing legislation that supports all aspects of the food ecosystem. Tune in for these essential updates!

In this episode, students from the Youth Entrepreneurship Cooperative at Common Good City Farm take the lead, sharing their experiences exploring urban farming, food systems, and small business entrepreneurship. Through their initiative, "Youth Common Agrowments," the teens developed community agreements to address local challenges and created their own hot sauce brand, "Hot Topic." Focused on raising the wage floor for youth and advocating for their future, this mission-driven project highlights the power of youth leadership. Listen as these teens discuss how they're cultivating change in their community through growth, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

We sit down with Farmer Wes, aka The Compost King, as he shares his inspiring journey and entrepreneurial legacy from his roots to his current role in urban agriculture. Explore his early agricultural experiences in Trinidad, from knocking down mangoes with bamboo shoots as a child, to his transformative journey through the Regenerative Agriculture Certificate program at Common Good City Farm. Wes unpacks the essentials of composting, its importance for growing healthy food, and what farming has looked like during this sweltering summer. Plus, get an insider's look at his involvement in other food justice initiatives and find out his...

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Join us as we delve into the vibrant world of St. Croix, exploring its rich history, culture, and culinary traditions that make this Virgin Island a unique gem. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sade Anderson Brown, the visionary behind Seeds of Blackness, to uncover what drew her to St. Croix and how it inspired her to create an immersive experience that celebrates Black Crucian culture. You'll also hear Dr. Anderson Brown highlight some of the dedicated farmers who will play a role in the upcoming experience she has curated for Black travelers. Tune in for fascinating facts...

Join us on this episode as we welcome Carmen and Kara, the dynamic duo behind Prosperity Market LA—a unique farmers market on wheels and food truck that features Black farmers, food producers, and chefs, bringing a curated market experience to the diverse communities of Los Angeles. Discover their inspiring origin story and how they joined forces to revolutionize LA's food scene. We explore the challenges of food access in the city and how Prosperity Market LA is making a tangible impact on the local community. Carmen and Kara share their vision for the future, discuss the opportunities and hurdles of...

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey behind OlaLekan Farm with its founder, Farmer Tolu. Named in honor of her grandparents, the farm is a symbol of wealth, joy, and honor, impacting food access and cultural preservation in the DC area. Discover how her personal heritage shapes the farm's mission, the fascinating process of growing ginger, and the significance of other culturally important crops. We'll also discuss the challenges of climate change on farming and share actionable steps individuals can take to support food equity. Don't miss this engaging and enlightening conversation!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with farmer and Navy veteran Monica Newman as we explore her remarkable journey from archaeological technician to seed company founder. Discover how her quest to reconnect with her ancestry led her to forge a deep bond with the land and start a company dedicated to preserving tradition. We'll hear her passion for seed saving and the rich stories these seeds hold. We'll also discuss her current role as the director of an agricultural leadership initiative and reflect on the outstanding Black Agrarian Food Tour she helped orchestrate. This interview is packed with so much...

Join us on our podcast as we catch up with Dominique Charles of Plots & Pans and dive into her latest adventures. We fondly reminisce about her Louisiana upbringing, sharing cherished memories of bonding over tractor rides with her grandad. Dominique generously imparts valuable gardening advice tailored for enthusiasts gearing up for the season. And to add some flavor to the mix, she shares delectable recipes straight from her kitchen, along with her favorite garden delights (get ready for a garden party!). We spotlight the concept of homegrown, celebrating the incredible contributions of black women in food & agriculture, with a special...

Join us for an in-depth conversation with returning guest LaMonika Jones of DC Hunger Solutions, as we celebrate the victories in DC's battle against hunger with initiatives like Hear the Crunch and Give Snap a Raise. Explore the challenges facing the DC food and health system in the FY25 budget, and discover practical steps for residents and advocates to effect change. We'll then conclude with LaMonika shining a spotlight on influential black women in the field. Don't miss this enlightening discussion about cultivating a healthier, more equitable DC community.

During this exclusive episode of The Edible Activist Live Podcast event, we opened our studio doors to welcome guests into a vibrant, in-person dialogue celebrating HOMEGROWN – paying tribute to the black women growers, farmers, and food activists who shape our communities. We had the privilege of interviewing none other than Falani Spivey of Byrd's Nest Box, delving into her journey rooted in homegrown traditions and the pioneering women who have influenced her farming practices. From candid discussions on the essence of homegrown in DC and North Carolina to heartfelt tributes to the matriarchal cooks in her family, this conversation is on...

Join us for an inspiring journey with Nia, the driving force behind Beauty Blooms Farm. Together, let's explore the rich blend of family heritage, community empowerment, and eco-friendly farming practices that shape her story. From taking part in programs like the Montgomery Countryside Alliance’s LandLink to championing food accessibility through initiatives like the Farm-to-Food Bank program, Nia shares her experiences fueled by resilience and a passion for lifting up her community. We'll dive into the exciting journey of expanding Beauty Blooms Farm to a 10-acre plot in Montgomery County, all while staying true to regenerative farming principles. Discover Nia's he...

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Ashley Drakeford, the visionary behind Capital Market in Capital Heights, MD. With roots spanning six generations in Prince George's County, Ashley's profound commitment to community and social impact shines through her work. Discover how her family history shapes the mission of Capital Market, situated near the site where her ancestors were enslaved, and explore its sustainable approach to addressing food inequality. Ashley shares her daily responsibilities as market organizer and co-owner, along with her plans to expand access to fresh, healthy foods in Prince George's County and beyond. Don't miss this dynamic conversation...

*Heads up! This episode gets a little spicy with some colorful language—perfect for mature ears only* Edible Activist launches its exciting 2024 season with a dope episode featuring Maryland native, Sean's Veggie Garden! Sean, a passionate grower and pepper master, is renowned as the ultimate watermelon connoisseur. Join us as hosts Melissa and Falani explore Sean's journey into the world of food cultivation, his deep affection for crabbing, and the sprinkling of nostalgic home-cooked memories. Tune in for a heartwarming and engaging conversation! Be sure to follow us on Instragam: @foodtalksncolor Sean's Veggie Garden: @seans_veggie_garden

Join us as we chat with Juliet "JuJu" Harris, a culinary expert and organic gardener. Inspired by her father's successful management of health conditions through diet and exercise, JuJu emphasizes the accessibility of preparing affordable, healthy meals, drawing on her experiences as a self-taught cook and recipient of food assistance benefits. Culinary education takes center stage in JuJu's work, recognized as a transformative tool for expanding food access and community health. Her community cooking classes address practical topics like eating well on a budget and post-partum nutrition, providing invaluable advice for new mothers. JuJu's cookbook, "Healthy and Homemade: Eating Well...

Join us for this episode as we welcome LaMonika Jones as the new director at DC Hunger Solutions. LaMonika shares her journey combating hunger in Washington, D.C., stressing the importance of avoiding silos in food and advocating for a comprehensive system approach. Our conversation explores the intersection of agriculture in her ambitious agenda, shedding light on the essence of ending hunger. LaMonika passionately emphasizes collaboration, highlighting the significance of working with local officials, advocates, organizational partners, and the community. Join us as we connect the dots between activism, agriculture, and the relentless pursuit of ending hunger in the dynamic...