This year, I had the honor of attending the 13th annual Black Farmers and Urban Growers (BUGS) Conference in Detroit, Michigan, a gathering often affectionately referred to as “the reunion.” After years of hearing those words spoken with joy and reverence, I finally understand why.
The conference, led by a dynamic team of Black women who are powerful leaders in the food systems movement, was a vibrant celebration of our collective strength, knowledge, and heritage. In the printed program, the organizers reminded us of our roots, writing:
We are here because we know that our people have always been stewards of the earth, even when systems tried to strip us of land, labor, and dignity. And yet, our ancestors never gave up on the soil. That memory lives in us still, and it rises every time we gather, every time we plant, every time we harvest.
That sentiment set the tone for the entire weekend. From the moment I arrived, I felt the pulse of connection, hugs, laughter, familiar faces, and the unmistakable joy of community. Since joining RAFI, I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible land stewards across the country, and many of them were there, from the organized, action-driven farmers of Kentucky to the radiant team from Soul Fire Farm who, as always, bring light and love wherever they go.
Detroit was the perfect host. The city’s deep investment in urban agriculture was evident from the start, with sold-out local farm tours kicking off at Detroit Food Commons, showcasing the thriving network of gardens and farms that make Detroit a powerful model for food sovereignty. The film festival Flourish: A Celebration of Black Farming and Land Liberation also sold out, a testament to how much this movement is flourishing.
For those of us who didn’t make the tours or festival, the opening night mixer at Ohana Gardens offered the warmest of welcomes. There was food, libations, music, games, and dancing, a joyful prelude to the days ahead. Everywhere I looked, I saw smiles, laughter, and the kind of kinship that can only grow from shared purpose.
Saturday began with an electrifying opening plenary filled with drums, dancing, chants, and clapping that shook the room and rooted us in the energy of our ancestors. Before moving forward, the speakers asked the elders for permission to proceed and poured libations to honor those who came before us.
Pouring libations is a sacred act, a ritual of remembrance and reverence that connects us to our lineage. Each drop represents a name, a story, a sacrifice. It is both a call to our ancestors and a promise that we will continue their work with gratitude and strength.
Karen Washington, Co-Founder of the BUGS Conference, shared an uplifting welcome message, and Malik Yakini of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) officially welcomed the crowd to Detroit with a heartfelt “What up doe?”. The opening keynote was delivered by Tephirah Rushdan, Detroit’s first Director of Urban Agriculture, now serving as Director of Sustainability for the city and co-founder of the Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund. Her words carried both history and hope, offering living proof that collective work and persistence yield community transformation.
The workshop schedule that followed was so rich it felt impossible to choose. A few standouts included:
- Diversifying Your Farm Income and Offerings led by RAFI Grantee Taykiera Hyman, Nikki Pressley and Afraka Yates
- Camping, Glamping, and Outdoor Fun: Agritourism for Today’s Society led by FOCN member Alissia Matthews
- Composting for Food Sovereignty led by FOCN member Sundiata Hardy-El
It was especially meaningful to see RAFI Farmers of Color Network (FOCN) members not only in attendance but leading the charge, educating, sharing, and empowering others with their knowledge. The workshops were a reflection of how much brilliance exists within our farming community.
After a full day of learning and an inspiring closing plenary, we danced the night away at the famous BUGS Bash. The DJs kept the vibes high, and the dance floor was alive with farmers and friends celebrating life and legacy.
Sunday’s closing session, “Unyielding: Black Food Sovereignty in Action,” was powerfully led by the National Black Food and Justice Alliance (NBFJA). The conversation was honest and strategic, a call to action for activating our communities and building systems rooted in equity and self-determination. We ended with a collective affirmation, each voice committing to use our gifts and talents to further the work of food sovereignty.
Even after the final session, people lingered, exchanging contacts, stories, and promises to stay connected. It felt almost too soon to leave.
Before closing, it is important to uplift the sister organizations that BUGS acknowledged for their collective impact and partnership: the National Black Food and Justice Alliance (NBFJA), the Black Farmer Ecosystem, Black Farmers United, Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, Soul Fire Farm, Farm School NYC, Black Farmer Fund, and Corbin Hill Food Project.
Although the conference was born in New York and continues to draw strong representation from the Northeast, it was heartening to see so many southern farmers show up, making their presence known, sharing their wisdom, and reminding everyone that this movement is national, interconnected, and growing stronger every year.
Leaving Detroit, I felt deeply affirmed. This was more than a conference; it was a spiritual homecoming, a reminder that we are not alone in this work. The soil remembers us, and together, we continue to rise.