I saw injustice. I see passion.

Shared at The New Parish, Oakland, California at Food and Freedom Ride Homecoming celebration.

Ain't gonna let nobody turn me round
Turn me round, turn me round
Ain't gonna let nobody turn me round
We gonna keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' up to Freedom Land

Ain't gonna let injustice turn me round
Turn me round, turn me round
Ain't gonna let injustice turn me round
We gonna keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Marchin' up to Freedom Land

Ain't gonna let unreal food turn me round
Turn me round, turn me round,
Ain't gonna let unreal food turn me round
We gonna keep on walkin', keep on talkin'
Riding' up to Food and Freedom Land


I saw injustice.  I see passion.

I saw Courtney Oats, a young African-American woman, in Eupora, Mississippi, just hours after two nights in jail.  She had been unjustly charged for distributing the peace, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct after being followed by police putting up fliers for these rides that I helped design.  I heard anger in her voice, tension in her shoulders, and tears rolling down her cheeks.  I cringed, hearing her say that racial injustice is still a problem in her community and her mom exclaiming, "We need help!"

Why do we still live in a racially-divided world when I want to look beyond the color of your skin?  It was then I realized food justice is racial injustice.  Food justice is justice for all.  We need freedom to have food and freedom.

We broke ground on a community garden that day.  I saw dark, rich soil, pecan trees, and smiles all around.  I heard laughter, jokes, and youth sharing with each other how to grow food.

That space is sacred, away from the steel bars, security guards, and inhospitality.

At the end of the day, I offered seeds that my family and I have saved, and told Courtney, "With sun, water, soil, seeds, and love, this garden will grow.  With this garden, you will grow, and your community will grow.  All of this will protect and nourish you."

I see passion in the communities most hurt like Courtney's healing all injustice with real food, their bodies and minds.