Public Programs And Events

Urban agriculture can be an important part of creating a just and sustainable city. Growing leafy greens and juicy tomatoes does not in itself lead to changes in the political and social structures that cause inequities in the food system and environmental injustice. However, many gardeners and farmers are using urban agriculture to address inequalities, advocate for policy change, and advance social justice beyond the garden fence. This forum will discuss the work of these activists, including the strategies they use, the challenges they face, and how farmers and gardeners and their supporters can advance social justice through urban agriculture.

New School for Public Engagement faculty members Kristin Reynolds and Nevin Cohen will present key findings from their forthcoming book, Beyond the Kale: Urban Agriculture and Social Justice Activism in New York City (University of Georgia Press).

Urban agriculture activists and food system scholars from several New York City institutions will discuss how we can work together to best support each others’ work.

Featured panelists:

- Leticia Alanis, Executive Director of La Unión
- Maggie Cheney, Director of Farms and Education at EcoStation NY
- Isobel Contento, Mary Swartz Rose of Professor of Nutrition and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University
- Raymond Figueroa-Reyes, Jr., President of New York City Community Garden Coalition & Director of Social-Ecological Community Development Projects, Friends of Brook Park
- Yonnette Fleming, Vice President of Hattie Carthan Community Garden
- Nicholas Freudenberg, Distinguished Professor of Public Health and Social/Personality Psychology, Hunter College, CUNY
- Odalys Diaz Piñeiro, Director of Special Projects, Hostos Community College

You may access the livestream for this event by clicking here.

This event is made possible through the support from The New School for Public Engagement/Civic Engagement Grant, the Merck Family Fund and the Lucius and Eva Eastman Fund.

This event is free, but reservations are required by clicking on the top right register button.