About us
The SUSU commUNITY Farm is a Afro Indigenous stewarded farm and land based healing center in Southern Vermont that elevates Vermont’s land and foodways.
We do this by co-creating a life affirming and culturally relevant platform for Black, Indigenous, People of color, youth, under resourced folx, and allies to thrive and experience safety and connection while beginning to develop the tools and agency to heal from the trauma of colonization.
Through collective commUNITY we aspire to co-create an equitable and just culture for the global majority to thrive in Vermont that centers access to safe and affirming food, commUNITY, and job opportunities.
SUSU commUNITY Farm creates health equity by offering culturally relevant spaces that center earth based and afro-indigenous health and healing traditions as well as reclaiming and centering the wisdom, stories, and legacies of our ancestors.
We believe Black, Indigenous, People of color can embrace who they are and can experience a life of liberation, safety, and joy in Vermont.
Our Mission
SUSU commUNITY Farm is a Afro Indigenous stewarded farm in Southern Vermont. We offer life affirming spaces for Black, Indigenous, People of color to THRIVE.
Our Vision
The SUSU commUNITY Farm is a Afro Indigenous stewarded farm and land based healing center in Southern Vermont that elevates Vermont’s land and foodways.
We do this by co-creating a life affirming and culturally relevant platform for Black, Indigenous, People of color, youth, under resourced folx, and allies to thrive and experience safety and connection while beginning to develop the tools and agency to heal from the trauma of colonization.
Through collective commUNITY we aspire to co-create an equitable and just culture for the global majority to thrive in Vermont that centers access to safe and affirming food, commUNITY, and job opportunities.
SUSU commUNITY Farm creates health equity by offering culturally relevant spaces that center earth based and afro-indigenous health and healing traditions as well as reclaiming and centering the wisdom, stories, and legacies of our ancestors.
We believe in honoring and making good use of the gifts, the asè, and the wisdom that our ancestors left for us.
Our Logo
Our logo represents the àṣẹ, the strength, the power, the resilience, and the medicine that we all hold within us and that has been passed down to us. The fist of resilience is holding Nayami (this is where the word yam comes from). We chose this sacred veggie because of its significance to our people, our legacies, and our ancestors.
Our Values
In Yoruba there is a song that speaks of their significance and it goes like this:
Igba o mo on jo
When you know how to dance
Eee tete nde
Why didnt you get up in time
ko o jo
and dance
Ko bi eni ko
Pile it up like someone
Ko bi eni kobe
Pile it up like someone making a heap
Ro bi eni ro
Weed it like someone
Ro bi eni roko
Weed it like someone weeding a farm
Wa a lawa mod
Pull it to your side
Oro awa modo
This is a matter to be pulled close
Jo bi agbegi
Dance like those who dance
Jo bi agbegijo
Dance like those who dance with masks
Igba ti iwo mo on jo oo
When you know how to dance
Eee tete nde
Why didnt you get up in time
Eee tete nde o
Why didnt you get up in time
The meaning of this song has been passed down to us by Enroue 'Awo Onigbonna' Halfkenny and has been taught to us like this.
"The message is when a tuber comes out the side instead of the top of the yam more soil is piled on. So when a member of the community is acting out-sideways-in a way that they 'shouldnt', more soil, more community nurturing, is provided for them to rectify their course. They are just straying and need support to readjust and find their way to go back on track. Instead of cancelling them out, or cutting them off."
This teaching is integral and central to our values, and how we hold eachother in commUNITY.
