Leah Penniman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leah Penniman
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Penniman on The Laura Flanders Show in 2019
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| Born | 1980 (age 44–45) Massachusetts |
| Occupation | Farmer, educator, author |
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Education | MA in Science Education, BA in Environmental Science and International Development |
| Alma mater | Clark University |
| Notable awards | James Beard Foundation Leadership Award |
| Partner | Jonah Vitale-Wolff |
Leah Penniman (born around 1980) is a farmer, teacher, writer, and an activist for food sovereignty. Food sovereignty means that communities have control over their own food systems, making sure everyone has access to healthy, culturally appropriate food. Penniman is a co-founder and co-director of Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, New York.
Contents
Early Life and Farming Journey
Leah Penniman grew up in Massachusetts. Her mother was an African-American and Haitian American pastor and activist.
Penniman started farming when she was 16 years old. She worked with a group called The Food Project in Boston in 1996. She later studied at Clark University, earning degrees in Environmental Science and Science Education.
After college, Penniman lived in a place where it was hard to find fresh, healthy food. This is sometimes called a "food desert." She also received help from a program called WIC, which supports families with food. These experiences showed her how important it was for Black and Brown communities to have control over their food.
Starting Soul Fire Farm
In 2006, Penniman bought 72 acres of land in Grafton, New York. Here, she helped start Soul Fire Farm, which officially opened in 2011. The farm's name comes from a song called Soulfire.
Soul Fire Farm first focused on providing fresh food to people with lower incomes through a program called farm share. Over time, the farm's main goal became fighting racism and unfairness in the food system. They work to help Black and Brown people reconnect with the land and have a say in where their food comes from.
One of the farm's most important programs is the Black Latinx Farmers Immersion. This is a 50-hour course that teaches new farmers. By 2018, about 500 people had completed this training.
Teaching and Writing
Leah Penniman has been farming since 1996 and teaching since 2002. She has worked at many farms and schools, including the Food Project and Youth Grow. She has also worked with farmers in other countries like Ghana, Haiti, and Mexico.
As a teacher, she taught science at several high schools. She also helped start the Harriet Tubman Democratic High School.
In 2018, Penniman wrote a book called Farming While Black. This book shares ways to grow food that is good for people and the land. It focuses on helping communities that have historically faced challenges with food access.
Awards and Recognition
Leah Penniman and Soul Fire Farm have received many awards for their important work. These include the Soros Racial Justice Fellowship and the Fulbright Program.
In 2019, Penniman received the James Beard Foundation Leadership Award. This award recognized her efforts in leading programs that promote food sovereignty.
Personal Life
Leah Penniman lives on Soul Fire Farm with her partner, Jonah Vitale-Wolff, and their two children, Neshima and Emet.
