FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Middleton Cooke Farms Receives Grant as Fiscal Sponsor for Chef BJ Dennis's Bubba June's Cultural Preservation Initiative Focused on Gullah Geechee Heritage
Charleston, SC – Nov 1, 2024 – Middleton Cooke Farms (MCF) is proud to announce its selection as a fiscal sponsor for Bubba June's Cultural Preservation Initiative, co-founded by renowned chef BJ Dennis. This initiative is backed by funding from the New Communities and Jubilee Justice Food & Land Justice Fund. This impactful partnership aims to combat systemic injustices faced by Black farmers and communities in the Southeastern United States while preserving the vibrant cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee people.
The New Communities and Jubilee Justice Food & Land Justice Fund has introduced a $1 million funding opportunity designed to support Black farmers committed to advancing food justice. As Black farmers work to reclaim land ownership, which has diminished by over 16 million acres in the past century, this funding provides critical resources for initiatives that enhance equitable access to land and food. Currently, Black farmers make up only 1.34% of farmers in the U.S., with the USDA reporting a concerning 13% decrease in Black farms since the last census.
“Our collaboration with Bubba June's Cultural Preservation Initiative is a vital step in restoring justice and equity within the food and agricultural systems,” said Kat Niambi, Founder of Middleton Cooke Farms. “We are dedicated to honoring our ancestors and reclaiming culturally significant land for the Gullah Geechee community. Through this initiative, we aim to empower our community by restoring heirloom seeds, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and providing educational resources that celebrate our rich heritage.”
The grant will support several key initiatives, including:
Land Reclamation and Preservation: Securing and restoring historically significant land for community farms, gardens, and educational spaces.
Seed Restoration and Repatriation: Reviving heirloom seeds to reconnect the community with traditional Gullah Geechee agricultural practices.
Cultural Preservation and Education: Establishing a learning space for workshops, storytelling, and hands-on activities led by Gullah Geechee descendants.
Economic Empowerment and Agritourism: Creating economic opportunities that celebrate Gullah Geechee foodways and foster community resilience.
Healing and Wellness: Promoting holistic healing and well-being through wellness programs that address the trauma caused by systemic racism.
Advocacy and Policy Influence: Engaging in advocacy efforts to promote equitable policies that support land rights and food justice.
Chef BJ Dennis, co-founder of Bubba June's Initiative, plays a pivotal role in preserving Gullah Geechee cuisine. Renowned for his culinary excellence, Chef BJ has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, Southern Living, and Garden & Gun. He gained national recognition for his appearances on Top Chef, where he showcased his culinary skills and Gullah traditions, and on High on the Hog, which explores the historical and cultural significance of African American foodways. Chef BJ is celebrated for his innovative approach to traditional Gullah dishes, incorporating locally sourced ingredients and techniques passed down through generations. As a strong advocate for Gullah Geechee culture, he has participated in prestigious culinary events, including the James Beard Foundation's Taste America tour and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, where he shares the flavors and stories of the Gullah Geechee people.
About Middleton Cooke Farms:
Middleton Cooke Farms is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through education, advocacy, and hands-on experiences. Our mission focuses on liberation, wellness, and cultural preservation, aiming to uplift the voices of Black and Indigenous women and femmes.
About Bubba June's Cultural Preservation Initiative:
Bubba June's Initiative seeks to preserve and celebrate Gullah Geechee culture through storytelling, education, and community events, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's unique heritage.
For more information about Middleton Cooke Farms and our initiatives, please visit Middleton Cooke Farms.
Media Contact:
Kat Niambi
President and CEO
Middleton Cooke Farms
middletoncooke@gmail.com