Mama Tanya

The weeks have been unforgiving. We are building something magnificent. The center, while struggling to put this back rent to bed is also quietly, intentionally and expeditiously getting the attention and curiosity of the community and it is amazing.

Our capacity is still small and mighty and so it is quite the challenge to keep up but I have people caring for me. I am deeply in love, with myself and an awesome human who has been putting me through the mattress regularly. I am basking in joy and that has kept me sustained, healthy and rejuvenated.

Days like today are apart of that joy. Our first BJF meeting was small and cute but so exciting. Local Bronx mom, Brenae came through with hope, vision and enthusiasm. I think she’s staying.

Danz, is showing what it looks like for Black men to understand the power of empowered women and girls. He’s been doing outreach and showing up to meetings to help out. We had another attendee who prefers to keep it a little more stealth and we always respect folks boundaries. Surveillance is a thing and make no mistake these apps are a form of monitoring.

Anyways, we’re hitting the ground running. We’ve started a WhatsApp group, Thursday, Brenae and I will be getting with my chicken heauxs to deep clean the coop (yes you’re more than welcome to join us) and Sunday we’ll be having another meeting for interested farmers and to continue building.

The world is burning y’all but please remember this: the Maya milpa practice was one where farmers used fire to burn off vegetation and crops and created nutrient rich soil for the next growing season. This was a practice also used in Liberia and Ghana.

Take comfort in the fact that sometimes the fire brings forth something richer, amended, restored and fertile. We can withstand this current burning knowing fertile ground is on the other side.

What an awesome day.

If you’re interested in joining us don’t be shy. Join the mailing list and turn your notifications on so you don’t miss what these algorithms are intentionally suppressing.

I’m pooped tho. Whew chile. There’s too much to do 😅. Mama need mo’ help.