Editor’s Note: This series of stories will follow Peekskill Regeneration Farm through the growing season. It is funded by a grant from the Dominican Sisters of Hope Ministry Trust Fund.
Propped behind a small stage at Regeneration Farm is a sign with a quote from Malcolm X: “Land is the basis of freedom, justice, and equality.” These words felt especially poignant as dozens of people celebrated Juneteenth at the farm.
With her customary generosity of spirit, and with the help of her new youth apprentices Mauricio Guerra and Nubian Gonzalez, farm steward Amanda Armenteros ensured a sense of land ownership and belonging for all who visited the farm that day. She did this while infusing the day with joy.
The celebrations began underneath a shade tree with Yoga on the Land, led by Tamica Nelson, Executive Director of I Heart Soul. Nelson guided people ranging in age from six to sixty through breathing and movement exercises to help them become more attuned to their minds and bodies as well as to the land.
Yoga was followed by a variety of garden work. Volunteers weeded, worked on building a raised bed, cut flowers, and created bundles of sage, among other things.
Children—as well as some adults—expressed themselves by painting signs to be used around the farm.
Lunch on the land was another highlight of the day, and included a delicious salad made with freshly harvested greens.
New York State Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg joined the celebration and spoke briefly before Peekskill NAACP First Vice President Micah Benson gave the keynote speech.
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Tamica Nelson leading Yoga on the Land
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Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg speaks at the farm
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Armenteros and others preparing salad for Lunch on the Land
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People of all ages paint signs for the farm
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Some of the finished signs
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The group who celebrated Juneteenth on the Farm.
Benson said that one of the points of Juneteenth is community, “like at the farm today.” He lauded Peekskill Regeneration Farm as a center of collaboration and education that “shows what we can do when we come together as a community” and gave a shout out to farm steward Armenteros for making the day possible.
The celebration ended with more movement, this time line dancing, led by Steve Dillard of Fun Bunch Line Dance.
In keeping with the spirit of community, Armenteros sent people home with a variety of garden goodies including tomato and cucumber plants, lettuce, and bunches of herbs.
It was a joyful Juneteenth at the farm. People left with full hearts, full bellies, and full arms.
