This blog was created to build a community of connection and empathy centered around telling our truth. In the spirit of great women, I deeply respect, this space is for authenticity. Thank you for reading and respecting my truth.
Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect and make everyone else deal with you the same way.
Nikki Giovanni
Our Beginning
As I journey through my personal and professional lives, as a leader at home and at work, I often find myself lost and disconnected. Each day that I am able to find women who embrace me without fear and condition(s) is a blessing. Our existence can be lonely as we are expected to carry inhumane burdens in nearly every aspect of our lives. This blog is 4 the colored women who find themselves educated, spiritual, kind, successful, independent, beautiful, healthy, intelligent, warm, nurturing and yet not enough. This blog is 4 women who cry tears of loneliness in our quests to be everything for everyone who needs us while searching for an audience just for them. This blog is 4 women who have days when they hit snooze so many times, wishing they were not the mom, an executive, or any sort of responsible adult. Never mind their graduate degrees, women who have fantasies of making it rain in every department store and stunt like I have unlimited funds in the bank and the light bill ain't due. To my mothers who refer to our children as our heartbeats because God knows that if we didn't have them depending on us, there are days when we might opt out of living. To my sisters who sometimes sell their souls to someone unworthy just to lay next to a warm body and feel like a woman. There's more and we know it, but God forbid you say it out loud. I feel you. I want you to know that you are not alone.
“Authenticity is a collection of choices we make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
...
Centered on the world's stage,
she sings to her loves and beloveds,
to her foes and detractors:
However I am perceived and deceived,
however my ignorance and conceits,
lay aside your fears that I will be undone,
for I shall not be moved.
-Dr. Maya Angelou
Shabazz had to extend the garden to her front lawn but even then, it wasn’t enough to feed all who wanted to be involved. With neighbors January Blum and Lucas Dupont, Shabazz found a large vacant lot on Main Street and secured it as a farming cooperative. Word about Project Sprout spread throughout Kent County, so the team was invited to help start other community gardens.
Our Mission
Kent County is one of the most severely underserved communities in Tennessee. To combat this adversity, Project Sprout seeks to nourish our neighbors at the most fundamental level with healthy food options and a strong support network. All members get a portion of each harvest and surpluses are donated to low-income families whose work schedules prevent them from volunteering.
60%
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30%
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10%
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With ten gardens and counting, Project Sprout has seen a significant improvement in mental and physical health for all participating community members. Other than lowering obesity, blood pressure, and depression rates, the crime rate has also fallen. Our children are doing better in school, reporting higher grades and aspirations, and better job prospects.
Get Involved
If you live near one of our gardens, get involved to receive portions of each harvest. We accept volunteers regardless of skill level. There is a rotation in roles, but we’ll teach you all the skills you need to know. Teenagers 14 years and older can earn community service credits for school in addition to getting produce for their families. Donations are also vital to our growth, as we use them for seed, fertilizer, tools, and outreach.