The Ethnicity Project
Published December 15, 2022
LEGACY
Taken at Brother Danny's Community Garden, 5th Ward, Houston.
How A Haitian Howard Student is helping youth know their power– and use it wisely.
'They Buried Us, Not Knowing we Were Seeds.'
Ifetayo SoulSeedress has been sowing seeds in the South for more than ten years. Sprouted Wealth-her seed business- exclusively sells ancient, pre-heirloom, wild, indigenous seeds.
Let’s break that down:
Ancient Pre-Heirloom seeds come from plants that existed prior to Western colonial civilization. Most folks have heard of Heirloom seeds, but may not be familiar with the purpose they serve. Heirloom seed keeping is more aligned with American ‘family favorites’- crops that have been around for more than 50 years, and are deemed profitable.
Ancient Pre-Heirloom seeds are collected from the wild, and work to preserve environmental & cultural indigeneity.
This is preservation work. It is a powerful, yet subtle form of civil resistance- restoring native plants to native lands, one seed at a time.
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Endora Guillaume is a Political Science & Afro Studies double major at Howard University. As a junior, she has already launched her own business- Endora’s Organics, and non-profit Ayifraka. This woman is a dynamic force of liberation and love- fueled by a family legacy of service, and a strong reverence for Ancestors and community.
She is from Haiti, a country notorious for its successful defenses against colonialism and radical means of cultural retention and preservation. Her father started Foundation Guillaume, which is aimed at strengthening community in Plaisance - ‘The City of Pleasure’.
Ayifraka works to empower Black youth across the Diaspora. The non-profit was founded October 1st of this year! Migrating work from Haiti and connecting community now in Greenbelt,MD (her current hometown).
Youth here are disproportionately affected by gun violence, a systemic issue created by deprivation of resources and education. But gun violence is also indicative of a need for a stronger community. The importance of education is something we hear a lot about in conversations surrounding revolution and social change. Endora speaks on what she believes to be a part of the solution- more safe spaces, like libraries, access to mental health resources, consistent outreach programs. “These things can educate, as well as liberate”.
Photo of Endora Guillaume & Children
Taken in Plaisance, Sud, Haiti
A Yogini with Southern Roots is reaching local underserved Communities.
Yogini Marie is actually from Sacramento- “the city of trees”. She moved to Acres Homes when she was 17.
“‘Home’ has always been hard for me to identify. I never had a stable and consistent home. Not just because of moving, but also the people constantly changing within the home.”
Yogini Marie identifies as a nomad- they say home is where you are in the moment. A chaotic, or ever changing environment can create a strong, purposeful sense of self. Yogini Marie is non-binary. Which literally means you exist outside of the binary. In archetypal human philosophy, the Tension of the Opposites refers to the incessant inner division that characterizes the duality of our lives. To make the assertion that one exists not solely in this two dimensional scope of life, but beyond it, points to a transcendence. A harmony with the Self. Being of the title Yogini speaks to seeking Alignment in all aspects of life.
What is ‘Alignment’, though?
That feeling you get when everything in life seems right. Flowing. You are without a doubt purposeful and Expansive… That definitely beats succumbing to the chaos outside of your control.
Alignment looks different for everyone, but community Yoga can definitely help you get to that space.
Yogini Marie offers peace, intimate support, and meaningful conversation between people’s bodies and minds. Yoga classes for all levels of experience are available most Wednesdays, in addition to other community events.
When you feel called to pursue a passion- whether it’s music, dance, teaching, anything! You need to know that it is in your blood. It is your birthright, and you’ve got a legacy to make your own.. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.