Full House for ‘Farming While Black’ Documentary and Panel - The Montpelier Bridge

So, this happened. Which is cool, I’m glad for the exposure this provided Black farmers in our area.

Few things. The paper got Naima Penniman’s name wrong. The picture does not include Farmer James, who had a lot to say and a lot that needed to be heard. My eyes are closed in the picture and the person most in focus is our (very awesome) white facilitator.

Also, the bill I referenced was about more than outdoor farming but also specifically around outdoor cultivation of cannabis.

I spoke on VT state Bill H549. If they start there, they will continue to other farming operations that “offend sensibilities”. The Bill is an impingement on the right of people to be self-sufficient and make a living. 

“Two state representatives, Karen Dolan, D-Essex City, and Lori Houghton, D-Essex Junction, have introduced a bill, H.549, which would prohibit outdoor cannabis cultivation in densely populated areas that are served by municipal water and sewer and have 500 or more persons per square mile” – from a different vtdigger article than below.

Final Reading: Essex Junction cannabis farmer visits the Statehouse - VTDigger

I invite improved editorial involvement in the Montpelier Bridge, including fact-checks and proofreading.

That said, thank you to my fellow farmers, the organizers of the Green Mountain Film Festival, everyone who came to see the documentary “Farming While Black” and those who were able to attend the panel! Amazing experience.

KX