Farming While Black

By Leah Penniman

Farming While Black explores the deep connection between land, agriculture, culture, and liberation. Leah Penniman offers both practical guidance and historical insight, highlighting the contributions of African-heritage farmers while inspiring readers to reconnect with ancestral knowledge, sustainable practices, and food sovereignty.

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At a Glance

"The land is our teacher, and our ancestors are our guides."

Why This Book Matters

Farming While Black matters because it reconnects Black communities with a history of agricultural knowledge, land stewardship, and resilience that has often been overlooked.

Leah Penniman reminds readers that farming is not just about growing food—it is about culture, independence, healing, and reclaiming a relationship with the land. The book honors generations of Black farmers while offering practical tools for creating a more equitable and sustainable food system.

This work elevates an important truth: Black agricultural traditions are not only part of our past—they are essential to our future.

Key Themes

Black agricultural history and ancestral knowledge
Food sovereignty and community empowerment
Sustainable farming practices
Land, healing, and cultural connection
Reclaiming erased histories
Environmental justice

What You'll Learn

How African-heritage communities have shaped agricultural traditions.
The connection between land ownership, freedom, and self-determination.
Sustainable farming practices rooted in cultural knowledge.
Why food systems are connected to community health and justice.
How reconnecting with the land can support healing and empowerment.

Reflection Questions

What connections exist between land, identity, and freedom?
Why do you think the history of Black farmers is often overlooked?
How can communities preserve ancestral knowledge while creating new traditions?
What does food sovereignty mean for future generations?
How can reconnecting with the land become an act of healing?

About the Author

Leah Penniman

Leah Penniman is a farmer, educator, author, and food justice activist. She is the co-founder and co-director of Soul Fire Farm, an organization dedicated to ending racism in the food system and supporting Black, Indigenous, and people of color farmers. Through her work, Penniman combines agricultural education, ancestral wisdom, and community organizing to help people reconnect with the land and build more equitable food systems.

About the Author

Leah Penniman

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Every book featured by They Erase, We Elevate has been carefully selected to preserve history, amplify overlooked voices, and inspire meaningful conversations. Continue exploring books that educate, empower, and celebrate the richness of Black history and culture.