05/11/2026
TW: Overflowing joy and gushiness
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Shannon Carr for opening the gates of Kanggy Garden to us and allowing this work to take root in such a meaningful space.
It was deeply important to us that Sovereignty Gardens works with people who share our values around food sovereignty, self-determination, community care, and access to fresh, healthy food. To be able to grow within a Black woman-powered operation, on a Black-owned garden, in collaboration with a Black-owned company, carried profound meaning for all of us involved.
Just as important was the opportunity to work alongside someone who leads with respect, compassion, and dignity for all people. That spirit could be felt throughout the entire weekend, in every interaction, every conversation, and every act of care shown within the space.
Spaces like this are about so much more than agriculture. They are about reclaiming knowledge, reconnecting to the land, nourishing our communities, and creating systems of care that are rooted in dignity and empowerment.
Yesterday’s plant sale was a beautiful reminder of exactly why this work matters so much. It wasn’t simply “grab some plants and go.” People stayed for hours visiting with us, sharing stories, asking questions, exchanging gardening advice, and building community together.
We met Facebook friends in real life for the very first time. We saw people take multiple buses and public transportation across the city just to come support and leave carrying boxes and boxes of plants home with them. That kind of love and commitment to growing food and community meant everything to us.
We met so many beautiful souls:
mother-daughter gardening duos spending Mother’s Day weekend together in the garden, neighbors starting gardens to share food with the people around them, couples who had just purchased their first home together and were planting their very first garden, and seasoned growers who brought generations of wisdom and knowledge to the conversations.
One of the most beautiful parts of the weekend was watching the little ones running and playing throughout the garden, laughing, exploring, and growing memories right alongside the plants.
My granddaughter, Khloe Rae, absolutely melted my heart when she told me she wanted to “be a farmer like Grandma.” She even started her own little snack and advice stand during the sale. Ms. Shannon lovingly helped set her up with a proper snack station, and this weekend Khloe officially started her very first business. Watching that kind of encouragement, joy, and entrepreneurship being poured into the next generation was something truly special.
The weather was beautiful, the energy was incredible, and the vibes were truly top tier. The space felt alive with connection, generosity, learning, joy, and possibility.
We are incredibly thankful to Shannon Carr and Kanggy Garden for their generosity, vision, and commitment to community. It is an honor to grow alongside and in support of this work.
