Kamal Bell
Sankofa Farms
Durham, NC USA
"Connect to a high purpose of trying to change what we see wrong in our society."
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Kamal's work combines: Environment & Nature, Education, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
After noticing disparities in food access in different socioeconomic areas, I decided I wanted to go into farming. My plan was met with a lot of Noise and negativity. Despite the negativity, I was determined to succeed because I knew that this was something I wanted to have an impact on in my community.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Agricultural Education
North Carolina A&T
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I grew up in Durham, North Carolina, where I personally experienced the contrasts between predominantly Black and predominantly white educational spaces.
2.
I decided I wanted to go to an HBCU for college and chose North Carolina A&T.
3.
At North Carolina A&T, I majored in agricultural education and became president of the Black History Club.
4.
I started recognizing the disparities in food access near historically Black colleges like North Carolina A&T and envisioned farming as a way to combat food deserts.
5.
My wife and I started Unity Farms, selling dehydrated fruit, before renaming it Sankofa Farms to honor African heritage and history.
6.
Despite USDA challenges and systemic racism, I secured land and established Sankofa Farms as a hub for agriculture and education.
7.
I also created a gardening program while teaching in public schools that inspired at-risk students but ultimately left due to systemic limitations.
8.
At Sankofa, I combine STEM education with farming, mentoring students in beekeeping, drone operation, and sustainable agriculture.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Why do you want to be a poor farmer? That's not a good plan.
How I responded:
After noticing disparities in food access in different socioeconomic areas, I decided I wanted to go into farming. My plan was met with a lot of Noise and negativity. Despite the negativity, I was determined to succeed because I knew that this was something I wanted to have an impact on in my community.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
The relationship between the USDA and Black farmers has not been easy. Black farmers have lost a lot of land and don't have as much access to capital. It was challenging but I was able to secure land for Sankofa Farms.