George Washington Carver Farms

George Washington Carver was so much more than the sweet potato and peanut guy, this Missouri hero revolutionized American agriculture. He fell in love with this Earth and nature at an early age. The affection for every plant, animal, insect, invertebrate, and the soil beneath us can be found in the incredible art he produced over his lifetime. Carver was also passionate about education and empowerment. He created sustainable career paths for Black farmers across the South, teaching them about companion planting, crop rotation, composting and incorporating legumes that add rich nitrogen into the soil. 

Ujima has been actively working in St. Louis’ 3rd Ward since 2018. These north city neighborhoods have been devastated by food apartheid and environmental racism. The toxic conditions create ecosystems filled with violence, poverty, crime, as well as detrimental effects to the community’s mental and physical health. This produces a greater sense of urgency around our mission of cultivating community through food justice, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment. We are doubling down on our mission and work towards making an impact now and for future generations. George Washington Carver Farms is inspired by our ancestor’s legendary work. In his honor, we will continue to empower communities through agriculture, environmental stewardship, and art. 

None of this can be accomplished alone! We need your support to raise $15,000! The funds raised in this campaign will go towards the development of our urban farm as well as the acquisition of additional LRA properties on Penrose Street and Lee Avenue that will support produce storage, a wash station, housing for our residency programming, additional community space, and land restoration projects. 

This urban farm will restore abandoned and unsafe land. It will be transformed into a beautiful green landscape that creates space for fresh food, native plants, outdoor education, jobs, healing, and justice.