“There are many examples, particularly in African American history, as it relates to black religious communities, that have seen agriculture and food security as important pillars in their expression of their faith. And not extracurricular or sidelined initiatives but instead central tenants of what it meant for them to express their faith.” - Dr. Heber Brown
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In this new online course, Rev. Dr. Heber Brown, III will share how as far back as the 1800s, agriculture and food security were important pillars in the expression of faith. Just as important as prayer, giving, tithing, fasting or worship, throughout history, people saw farming and food security as assets of what it means to be a person of faith.
The Black Food Security Network is an organization Rev. Brown began to strengthen communities by developing economic ventures that supply and support every part of the food system through working with Black churches.
This network brings vibrancy and vitality to the church community. It’s also a magnet for the local community. Gardens and the food network are also a proven way to attract financial resources (the Network has received more than $250,000 in grant money). The health and kitchen ministries of churches will receive nutrient rich foods to serve to the people you love and care about. The food you serve will be better for your sisters and brothers in Christ. You become a resource and know you are putting food in front of your church members and community that is not pumped by chemicals. It’s fresh and grown from farmers down south or near you.
Beyond the church, the food gives an opportunity to serve the community. The civil rights movement was probably the last time the nation saw the black church working to address the everyday problems black people face. Providing food security presents another opportunity for churches to come together to address an issue of primary concern in our community and beyond. It’s a chance to clean up and polish the reputation and the image of black churches in the country today. Everybody needs food. Churches can go a long way by being a helpful institution that provides a necessity to improve the standing of the local church community as well.
Course Curriculum
Learn with Rev. Dr. Heber Brown
Rev. Dr. Heber M. Brown, III is a community organizer, beginner farmer, social entrepreneur and Senior Pastor of Pleasant Hope Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
For nearly two decades, Dr. Brown has demonstrated a deep commitment to and advocacy on a myriad of social justice concerns at every level of government, business, and at the grassroots level as well.
He is a catalyst for social change who believes that systemic problems need systemic solutions
Toward that end, in 2015 in the midst of the Baltimore Uprising which sparked after the death of Freddie Gray, he launched the Black Church Food Security Network which combats food apartheid by providing seed funding and support to help congregations begin growing food on church-owned land. The Network also works to partner Black Churches and Black Farmers in the Mid Atlantic region in an effort to create a community-controlled, alternative food system based on self-sufficiency and Black food and land sovereignty.