Help The Black Farmer's Index Combat Food Insecurity And Agricultural Inequity
Founded by Kaia Shivers, The Index spotlights Black farmers across 11 regions nationwide, providing greater visibility through a comprehensive online directory and other strategic initiatives.
Farmers included in the Index receive social media promotion and short narratives that provide more insight into their services and offerings, educational workshops for farmers, food-centered virtual and in-person events, and curated farmer lists for individuals and institutions.
Visitors to the site can locate Black growers by selecting their region and state and then browse through an alphabetical list showcasing Black farmers and their available products. The Index began as a solutions-driven journalism initiative launched by Ark Republic in April 2020 providing a small directory of Black farmers to help address resource shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to being forced out of agrarian lifestyles, many Black communities now live in food deserts and food swamps, making them among the first to suffer during food shortages. When researchers sought solutions, they initially turned to Black farmers, many of whom were subsidized by the USDA and forced to discard thousands of tons of food, causing further supply disruptions.
Independent Black farmers, who remained viable alternatives, often lacked market exposure and distribution channels, leaving them excluded from efforts to address the emerging food crisis. These growers have also faced generations of systemic discrimination in the agricultural industry.
The Black Farmers Index was created to serve as a user-friendly, accessible directory connecting the public directly with Black farmers. Its mission is to drive business to these growers through a direct-to-consumer model while providing a platform for farmers to share their stories of resilience and survival in the face of generations of agricultural inequities.
What started as a small list of 150 farmers has grown to a list of over 1,300 crop farmers, small-to-medium-sized growers, ranchers, poultry farmers, vegetable and fruit producers, grains and nut harvesters, and more.
Farmers featured on The Index benefit from a direct consumer-to-Black farmer pipeline while gaining connections to agencies, institutions, and essential resources.
The Index operates on four key pillars: Enhanced Marketing, which promotes the Black agricultural ecosystem, including growers, ranchers, fisherfolk, beekeepers, foragers, and foresters; Data Collection & Distribution, where researchers gather, analyze, and share accurate information about Black growers; Resource Access, which provides guidance on securing capital for harvesters; and Land Advocacy, where education and support are provided to Black agriculturalists in acquiring farmland.
The Index amplifies Black farmers through various initiatives, including curated gift boxes showcasing their food products, feature stories in news and media outlets, data collection and reporting, and storytelling through farm visits. Additionally, it connects farmers with business opportunities and resources, fosters a strong network for farmer collaboration, and partners with organizations and companies on impactful initiatives.
The non-profit is focused on expanding the directory and raising awareness of the farmers in The Index, hosting regular events nationwide to amplify its mission and the Black farming community. In December, it hosted the Collard Green and Kale Giveaway at IGH Gardens in Long Beach, CA.
Those interested in supporting The Black Farmers Index can
RELATED CONTENT: How Some Black Gulf Coast Farmers Are Leading the Way In Climate-Smart Agriculture
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Business Wire
9 hours ago
- Business Wire
Power in Action: Delta Sigma Theta Hosts 57th National Convention
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than a century of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action will take center stage as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated convenes its 57th National Convention, bringing together attendees from across the globe to celebrate its legacy and shape its path forward. 'It is my honor to welcome our dynamic sisterhood to the 57th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta,' said International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes. 'During the coming days, we will be inspired by our legacy and energized by the possibilities ahead." Share At capacity, 20,000 members of the storied organization will convene July 8-13, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in the nation's capital, joined by an additional 13,000 tuning in virtually. From empowering communities to elevating its impact, the Sorority is moving forward with fortitude to meet this pivotal moment with purpose, power, and unity. 'It is my honor to welcome our dynamic sisterhood to the 57th National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta,' said International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes. 'Our Sorority was founded 112 years ago on the campus of Howard University by 22 young women. We honor our origin and our future through our theme 'Forward with Fortitude: A Homecoming of Strength and Purpose.' During the coming days, we will be inspired by our legacy and energized by the possibilities ahead, as we exchange ideas and information, hear from experts, and learn about best practices to actively engage our sisterhood, empower our communities, and elevate our impact.' The Sorority's tradition of activism on the frontlines dates back to just weeks after its inception, when its Founders boldly marched in the 1913 Women's Suffrage Parade—the only Black women's organization to do so. The power-packed 2025 convention week will feature a series of meaningful sessions and events that speak to our sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SISTERHOOD Golf Tournament Tuesday, July 8, 2025 9:00 am University of Maryland Golf Course 3800 Golf Course Road, College Park, MD 20742 OPEN TO PRESS Helen Webb Harris, a pioneering educator, advocate, and sports leader, will be recognized at Deltas on the Fairway National Golf Tournament, which is the kickoff to the 57 th National Convention. This tribute celebrates Harris' profound contributions to education, community service, and golf. SCHOLARSHIP Award Presentation at Public Meeting Thursday, July 10, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Halls D&E OPEN TO PRESS The 2025 recipient of The Dr. Thelma T. Daley Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair will be announced at this meeting. Since 1977, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Distinguished Professor Endowed Chair Award—affectionately known as DPEC—has been awarded to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to provide research support for a distinguished professor in residence. Now named in honor of Delta Sigma Theta's 16th National President, Dr. Thelma T. Daley, who established the award, DPEC has provided over $2 million to more than 20 institutions. The award supports the research agendas of African American faculty whose work enhances the quality of life for African American families and communities. SERVICE Impact Day Tuesday, July 8, 2025 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Room 150 AB OPEN TO PRESS To combat period poverty and promote menstrual equity worldwide, volunteers will pack menstrual hygiene supplies for donation as part of the Sorority's R.E.D. (Restoring Equity and Dignity) Circle of Compassion initiative. The Sorority has a history of giving back to the city in which its convention is held, as part of its global service initiatives. Nearly 3,000 items are being packed and donated to support Washington, D.C. nonprofits, including Covenant House Washington, Harriet Tubman Women's Shelter (Catholic Charities), and Dolls & Dreams. The initiative's global impact can be seen both through donations of supplies to Mombasa Relief in Kenya, as well as a financial contribution of $10,000 to support menstrual health and education programs at I Can Fly High School in Kenya and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Elementary School in Ch'erette, Haiti. This large-scale effort will make a direct and measurable difference, since millions of girls around the world are still forced to miss school or face shame simply because they lack access to basic menstrual supplies. Blood Drive Tuesday, July 8, 2025 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Floor 2, Room 208AB Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the American Red Cross are partnering to host a blood drive during the convention. One in three Black donors are a match for someone with sickle cell disease – an enduring and often invisible condition. The disease disproportionately affects individuals of African descent, many of whom rely on routine blood transfusions as an essential treatment to prevent life-threatening complications. Red Tank Pitch Competition Tuesday, July 8, 2025 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Room 144 ABC OPEN TO PRESS The third iteration of the Delta Red Tank Pitch Competition for aspiring and established 'Deltapreneurs' will culminate with a live grand finale during the 57th National Convention. Collegiate and alumnae members representing all seven regions have successfully advanced through two rounds of competition, vying for the opportunity to present their elevator pitch in person to a review panel. The six Red Tank finalists will receive mentoring, business guidance, and monetary awards ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to support their business, products, or services. Under the National Program Planning and Development Committee's Economic Development Subcommittee, this initiative advances the Women's Small Business Entrepreneurship Program and supports the Sorority's Financial Fortitude initiative. Public Meeting Thursday, July 10, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Halls D&E OPEN TO PRESS As a signature event of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated's National Convention, the Public Meeting—led by the International President—welcomes community leaders, public officials, and convention guests for an evening of celebration and recognition. This open-to-the-public gathering honors individuals and organizations for their outstanding service, leadership, and contributions to civic life, the arts, and the humanities. Dignitaries offering remarks often include national and local elected officials, corporate sponsors, and leaders of fellow Divine Nine organizations. This year's event will be hosted by WUSA 9's Lesli Foster. SOCIAL ACTION Social Action Luncheon Friday, July 11, 2025 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Halls A&B A cornerstone of the national convention, the Social Action Luncheon reflects Delta Sigma Theta's legacy of driving change, influencing policy, and empowering communities through sustained civic involvement. This year's keynote address will be delivered by U.S. Senator Cory Booker, whose presence affirms the power of civic participation and the urgency of collective action. His message will speak directly to the critical issues shaping our communities and the nation at large. ABOUT DELTA SIGMA THETA Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913, on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. Since its founding, more than 350,000 women have joined the organization, making it one of the largest predominantly Black women's organizations in the country. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has over 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, the Arabian Gulf, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, West Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Virgin Islands. The Sorority utilizes its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to guide national programs, initiatives, and strategic partnerships. To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, visit
Chicago Tribune
15 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
Rosary High School in Aurora becomes Rosary College Prep, but it's staying all-girls: ‘We're never going to settle'
When students and employees of Rosary in Aurora welcome new freshmen to the building, they say, 'Welcome to our square,' referencing the shape of their one-story high school building on Edgelawn Drive just off West Indian Trail in Aurora. Just down the street from one of the area's other Catholic high schools, Aurora Central Catholic, Rosary's building was constructed in the 1960s, though it has been expanded and renovated in the decades since: from renovating its auditorium and building a new gymnasium to updating its science classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic. But Rosary's goals and its place in the community have remained steadfast, school leadership says. And that's part of why the school is changing its name — to better reflect what the school already provides, and with the hope of amplifying its reach in the area. As of July 1, Rosary High School is now Rosary College Prep. Along with the name change, the school is getting a new logo, starting a 'house system' that will group the students into six different houses to build school spirit and changing some of its uniform policies, according to Rosary's Head of School Amy McMahon. McMahon, who's been the leader of Rosary since 2020, said the name change is 'more true to (its) identity.' She described the rigor of the classes and curriculum as the distinctions that make it a college preparatory school. 'A lot of reading- and writing-intensive, trying to get them prepared to do well in that, not only maybe in their … junior and senior year here at Rosary, but also … in college and university life,' she said. Rosary was founded by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield in the early 1960s, at the request of former Rockford Bishop Loras Thomas Lane, McMahon said. It joined Marmion Academy, the nearby all-boys school founded in 1933, as a single-sex institution in the area. Rosary has gone through changes and expansion since its founding, but has remained an all-girls, Catholic school sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. The name change came out of the school's five-year strategic plan, according to Rosary. The school partnered with Leapfrog Marketing in 2024 to work on the school's brand, with the goals of differentiating Rosary in the education landscape, creating messaging that's clear and concise, increasing awareness of Rosary and improving perception of the school and demonstrating the school's value and assisting with enrollment growth, according to a news release from the school about the name change. Rosary initially launched the rebranding to the school community in January, McMahon said. 'We want everybody to know about Rosary, and that a Rosary education is something that all girls in this area, in the greater Chicagoland area, should have the chance (to have) if they would like to,' McMahon said. Student input about the school's future was one part of the rebranding process, McMahon said. The uniform change, for example, was guided by student feedback. Previously, Rosary had two different uniforms for underclassmen and upperclassmen. Now, students will all wear the same kilt, but underclassmen and upperclassmen will wear shirts in different shades of blue. 'The girls really wanted that differentiation,' McMahon said. 'I think it's really important for the girls to have a voice and feel like they're making decisions and helping with the process.' This change for Rosary is coming at a time of broader change for Catholic education in the area, too. In the fall of 2026, Marmion Academy, the area's all-boys school, will become a coeducational school. That will leave Rosary the only single-sex school in the area — and the only one in the Rockford Diocese, according to Kim White, the diocese's director of educational services and superintendent of schools. That's part of the school's 'unique role' in the region, per Rosary's news release, though McMahon noted that Rosary's rebranding plans started before Marmion announced it was going co-ed. Currently, Rosary is already one of only two independent schools within the diocese, the other being Marmion, White said. This means the schools are funded and governed independently from the diocese, which runs high schools of its own, such as Aurora Central Catholic. Many of the other areas in the Rockford Diocese — which includes Kane, DeKalb, McHenry, Boone, Carroll, JoDaviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties, per its website — don't have the population to support multiple Catholic high schools, White said, though she considers the single-sex schools to be 'a beautiful tradition.' The nearby Diocese of Joliet has eight high schools of its own, all co-ed, according to Mercy Robb, the diocese's director of Catholic school marketing and enrollment management. Marmion Academy made the decision to go co-ed this past November, said Abbot Joel Rippinger of Marmion Abbey. He said the school's facilities can accommodate up to 550 students, but its enrollment has been coming in at around 410. 'Both for material, financial reasons, but especially for a look at our mission and where we want to be, we think the time is now for this to take place,' Rippinger told The Beacon-News. He said the school is no stranger to changes, having over the years switched its focus from serving as a military academy, and closing its residential program around two decades ago. 'I think, in retrospect, they proved to be the right decisions,' Rippinger said. 'We hope that we are on the same track with the co-ed.' These changes at area schools are unfolding amid a decline in enrollment in Catholic schools nationwide over the past few decades, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. For example, enrollment in Catholic secondary schools in the United States was at just over one million students around the late 1960s and early 1970s, according to NCES data. For the 2022-23 school year, it was just under half of that. The number of Catholic schools themselves has also gone down over the years, with the number of Catholic secondary schools in the U.S. in 2022-23 at about half the number it had at its peak, per the National Center for Education Statistics. Private school enrollment overall increased slightly between 2011 and 2021, though Catholic school enrollment fell slightly across that time period. Public school enrollment, on the other hand, decreased slightly nationwide across a similar time period, per NCES figures. In Illinois, public school enrollment decreased by 11% from 2012 to 2022, according to NCES data, one of the sharpest drops in the country. But, in 2021, the state's private school enrollment hovered around the national average of 9% of students. Rosary intends for the name to, in part, 'serve to quell occasional rumors that the school will close or merge with another school,' according to documents about the name change from Rosary provided to the school community. McMahon noted declining birth rates, for example, as a broader trend affecting educational institutions' enrollment overall. But she said Rosary believes single-sex education continues to offer something unique. 'There's really nothing like it,' she said. 'The girls are the ones that are front and center here. They get all the funds, whether it's fine arts or athletics or academics, the leadership positions.' And she said they have no plans for changing that focus. 'I feel like it's so important, specifically in this day and age with what's going on in the world, that they have this safe space, this second place that they can call home,' McMahon said. Those benefits extend beyond Rosary's walls, school leadership has said. '(Something) I hear from alums all the time is that, when they get to college, they sit up front, they raise their hand, they ask pertinent questions,' said Vicki Danklefsen, Rosary's director of philanthropy and alumnae, saying that being in a smaller community of all girls helps build students' confidence and relieves some of the pressure that a larger school might bring. Rosary's enrollment sits at about 215 students, McMahon said. But its student population extends beyond the immediate area, Danklefsen noted. 'We are the only single-sex school for miles and miles,' Danklefsen said, noting that students come from west of Aurora, from DeKalb, even Homer Glen. 'They wanted what we offer without going into Chicago.' McMahon said recruitment is always a goal for Rosary, but that, in addition to reflecting its academic goals, it hopes the new branding will also serve as a recruitment strategy going forward. 'We want to cast a wider net,' McMahon said. White, too, noted efforts going on in the diocese meant to boost enrollment — for example, adding liberal arts or performing arts tracks at diocesan schools, and raising money for tuition assistance to help children in underserved communities attend Catholic schools. Rosary's name change was made official on July 1, in time for school to start on Aug. 18 for freshmen and Aug. 19 for all other students. Incoming seniors this year will still receive diplomas that read 'Rosary High School.' Now, as Rosary gears up for another school year, a few things will look different when students return to classes, like their school's logo and their uniforms. Some of the impact Marmion's going co-ed will have on Rosary remains to be seen — on enrollment, as well as on the schools' joint band program and relationship between the two institutions for their theater productions. Rippinger said that, after next year, Marmion won't be taking Rosary students for its band, but said the theater program is yet to be decided on. McMahon said Rosary intends to start its own band in the future. It may open up its theater program to all male students in the area after Marmion switches to co-ed, and is considering expanding to offer both a musical and a play during the school year. In terms of other changes, Rosary has an engineering program in the works that is set to be offered starting in the fall of 2026, McMahon said, along with a law class. But the school plans to retain its overall missions and traditions, even as it continues to evolve. 'We're never going to settle,' McMahon said. 'And I think that's important for the girls to also know and understand, like, it's great that you can accomplish your goal, but you should never settle. You should keep pushing yourselves. … Like doing what was right for Rosary, which was committing to our single-sex education, being true to our Catholic, Dominican identity and especially our place in Aurora.'
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
Forget Iams, dog owners have new affordable real meat option
My dog Bentley is 11 years old, but you wouldn't know it by looking at him. He still prances through Boston like he owns the place, always ready for his morning chicken jerky and a long walk. I've always been picky about what I eat. And like a lot of dog owners, I try to extend that same care to Bentley. If a bag says "chicken," I assume it's real chicken. If it says "healthy," I assume it means something. Related: A growing number of shoppers are avoiding this ingredient But hearing how most pet food is actually made still made me do a double take. Because when Ryan Perdue, founder of Full Moon Pet and a fourth-generation member of the Perdue Farms family, told me there's a "big gap between what people think they're buying and what they're actually buying," it hit me. It turns out even the dog food aisle isn't safe from marketing spin. And most pet parents don't even realize it. If you've ever assumed the label tells the whole story, you may want to keep reading. When Perdue started Full Moon over a decade ago, most pet treats were just grain-based fillers made to look like meat. And the few meat-based options available? Often made overseas, with questionable quality. That disconnect between perception and reality is what drove him to build something different. Full Moon only uses 100% human-grade ingredients. Every treat and meal is made in USDA-certified food facilities, using the same quality standards you'd expect for your own dinner. Yes, technically you could eat it. That commitment is now extending into a new category: air-dried dog food. Related: The diet mistake 71% of Americans are trying to fix Their latest launch, Pure Protein, is 90% meat and liver, made without fillers, preservatives, or artificial anything. Unlike raw or freeze-dried options, it's shelf-stable and scoop-and-serve. Most importantly, it's priced to compete with kibble - removing one of the biggest barriers for pet parents who want to feed better but can't afford $70 bags of boutique food. And early reviews suggest it might just be working. In fact, Full Moon recently conducted a palatability study comparing Pure Protein to a leading competitor's air-dried dog food-and the dogs made their preferences clear. "We were really happy to see that they prefer it two times over," said Aeliya Mohsin, Senior Director of Marketing at Full Moon. That's the kind of result that speaks for itself. The air-dried dog food category is gaining traction, but for many pet owners, it still feels out of reach. Most products are expensive, hard to find, or overly complicated. That creates a window of opportunity for Full Moon. By vertically integrating with Perdue Farms, the brand controls every step-from sourcing to production. That control allows them to deliver a premium, human-grade product at a much more accessible price point. Pure Protein starts at $13.99 for a 1lb bag and is already available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Meijer. "Everything that goes into the product is human edible, and it's cooked to the exact same standards," said Ryan Perdue. While many brands chase buzzwords, Full Moon is betting on something simpler: real food, made right. The company isn't just trying to win shelf space. It wants to reshape expectations around what pet food can be. For dogs like my boy Bentley, it's not just better a better future. Related: Nike's latest announcement has fans scratching their heads The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
