Edible Activist
by Melissa L. Jones
Edible Activist is a podcast that feeds you empowering narratives and perspectives from the voices of emerging black people and people of color in food and agriculture who are stewarding the land, healing communities, and advocating for food justice and economic power across the globe. Hosted by Melissa L. Jones, she interviews a diverse group of everyday growers, farmers, entrepreneurs, artists, and other extraordinary individuals, who exemplify activism in their own edible way!
Episodes
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#200: 200 Episodes of Edible Activism
Two hundred episodes. And it is not lost on Melissa L. Jones what it took to get here. For this milestone, Melissa hands the mic to the community, answering your questions and reflecting on what 200 conversations have taught her about food systems, Black land ownership, and what edible activism...
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#199: Franklin Vines: Legacy, Land & the Vine
Stephanie Franklin didn't set out to become a farmer. She set out to find her purpose and the vines answered. In this conversation, the founder of Franklin Vines takes us from corporate America to a Napa conference where she coined the phrase that changed everything — Louisiana made me, Texas...
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#198: Good Ground: Roots & Revolution
DeVonne Jackson Perez left a decade in television production to become an urban farmer — and she has never looked back. In this conversation, the founder of Good Ground Farm takes us from a childhood spent collecting worms and studying insects, to an illegal fire escape garden in Brooklyn during...
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#197: Agritourism: Farming Beyond the Harvest
Editor's Note: In this episode, Phylicia references Vietnam in the example of inter-country agritourism collaboration with Indonesia. The correct country in that example is Taiwan.
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#196: Food, Community & One Love
Asmeret Berhe-Lumax turned a single community fridge in Brooklyn into one of the most recognized food access movements in the country and she did it by centering three things above all else: respect, dignity, and health. In this conversation, Asmeret takes us inside the origin of One Love…
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#195: Cuisine Noir : The Legacy
V. Sheree Williams didn't set out to build a legacy — she set out to tell stories. But over a decade of centering Black chefs, food culture, and the African diaspora through Cuisine Noir, that's exactly what she's done. In this conversation, Sheree takes us inside the origin of Cuisine Noir —…
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#194: Deb Freeman: Giving Edna Lewis Her Flowers
She was the originator of the farm to table movement. She just never got the credit. In this episode Melissa L. Jones sits down with Deb Freeman — food anthropologist, writer, podcaster and executive producer and host of the Emmy award winning, James Beard nominated PBS documentary Finding Edna...
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#193: Get Fresh Daily: Where Food Justice Meets Joy in Philadelphia
Joy is the strategy. Fresh food is the medicine. And Philadelphia is the proving ground. In this episode Melissa L. Jones sits down with Jiana Murdic — wellness warrior, health justice advocate and founder of Get Fresh Daily, a Philadelphia based initiative working at the intersection of farm…
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#192: The Lowcountry Table with Amethyst Ganaway
Every part of the animal. Every part of the story. Amethyst Ganaway grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, where food and land were never separate — fresh seafood, garden vegetables from neighbors, and what you were eating tomorrow was already part of today's conversation. In this episode, the...
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#191: When the Pulpit Meets the Soil: The Church as a Food Hub
In this episode Melissa L. Jones welcomes back Pastor Heber Brown III — founder of the Black Church Food Security Network — eleven years into a movement now spanning 300 congregations. He does not come to celebrate. He comes to tell the truth. They go deep on what it really takes to activate a...
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#190: The Community Creates the Market: Brooklyn Supported Agriculture
The community creates the market! For Chef Mu that is not a tagline -- it is what he witnesses every time he shows up. In this episode, Melissa L. Jones sits down with Mustafa Abdul Rahim -- known as Chef Mu — culinary professional, food justice advocate, Chopped finalist, and market manager for...
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#189: Nana Kumi: The Land Remembers
The land remembers. And Nana listening. In this episode, Melissa L. Jones sits down with Nana Kumi, a queer Black southern artist, filmmaker, herbalist, and land steward from Natchez, Mississippi — and project director of Spirit in Our Roots, an art-based land initiative uplifting Black growers…
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#188: Growing Resilience in the South with Sade Meeks
Some of the most powerful lessons come from the most ordinary moments — a grandmother's garden, a Sunday dinner table, a bowl of grits. Melissa L. Jones is joined by Sade Meeks, dietitian, storyteller, and founder of GRITS (Growing Resilience in the South), recording live from Jackson…
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#187: Designing a Just Food Future with Dr. Celeste Davis
Host Melissa L. Jones sits down with Dr. Celeste Davis—public health educator, design strategist, and director of the Public Health Scholars Program at American University—for a thoughtful conversation on how food justice, public health, and community power shape one another in today’s shifting...
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#186: From Lineage to Land: Umi’s Journey of Ancestral Farming
Returning-generation farmer and community herbalist Bianca “Umi” Anthony shares how she’s reclaiming seven acres of her family’s 1950s land in rural Bertie County, NC—reviving legacy, building Seed of Life Farm, and raising her three kids “no screens” while they learn to grow. We talk medicinal...
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#185: Nurturing Our Seeds: Detroit Roots, Community Power
Erin Cole, founder of Nurturing Our Seeds in Detroit, shares how a porch-side safety moment on Helen Street—mowing vacant lots for elders—grew from a first flower patch into mustard and turnip greens, and ultimately a neighborhood farm and seed-saving hub. We dig into living soil, herb-based...
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#184: SWAP: Fashioning Environmental Justice with Zsameria Rayford
From living-room swaps to a decade of citywide pop-ups, Zsameria Rayford’s SWAP DC → SWAP Universe shows how style and sustainability move together. This episode digs into the operational backbone, the ethos, and the outcomes—thousands of pounds of textiles kept out of landfills while neighbors...
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#183: SiStained8: From Kitchen Scraps to Living Soil
Najwa Womack, founder of SiStained8 in Washington, D.C., traces her path from early nature moments to teaching compost as the art of growing soil. She defines composting in plain language, explains essentials like source-separated organics and feedstock, and tackles common myths about smell and...
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#182: Black Cotton and the Power of Legacy with Julius Tillery
Cotton has long been a cornerstone of American agriculture and culture. Julius Tillery, a fifth-generation cotton farmer and founder of Black Cotton, is reshaping how we see this iconic crop by turning it into a source of artistry, heritage, and opportunity. In this conversation with host Melissa...
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#181: Roots, Recipes & Storytelling with Antoinette Johnson
Chef, storyteller, and advocate Antoinette Johnson takes us back to her Black Southern roots, where family traditions and community gatherings first sparked her love for food. She shares how those early influences—and moving across different states—shaped her culinary voice and storytelling lens,...
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#180: From the Kitchen to the Soil with Chef Marly
After a traumatic brain injury in 2014, Chef Marly — a classically trained chef and Washington native — found healing in an unexpected place: the soil. In this episode, she shares her journey from the kitchen to farming, how growing food supported her recovery, and what’s been keeping her hands…
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#179: Melon Nation
In this episode of Edible Activist, Melissa sits down with Kenny and Cutt, the co-founders of Melon Nation — two Black farmers and agricultural specialists bringing fresh seeded watermelon and tropical fruits to communities across the East Coast. Together, they share how Melon Nation is building…
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#178: The Bodega Bites with Ora Kemp
Ora Kemp, creator of The Bodega Bites, is on a mission to make sure everyone’s eatin’. As a 2025 Castanea Fellow and Senior Policy Advisor with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, she offers a candid look at New York City’s food landscape, the stakes for SNAP, and the difference between food...
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#177: Intelligent Mischief: Shaping Black Futures
What would our world look like if Black imagination led the way? In this episode, Artistic Director Aisha Shillingford of Intelligent Mischief joins me to explore the power of speculative world-building as a tool for liberation, healing, and community transformation. We talk about what…
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#176: Demi Unique: Telling Stories Through Style, Flavor and Food
Chef Demi Unique approaches food as art, memory, and ancestral tribute. Trained at both the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and the Institute of Culinary Education, she blends her deep creative roots into immersive culinary storytelling. As a traveling artist, chef, and consultant…
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#175: Regenerating Food & Health at Konterra Life Farms
In this episode, Melissa sit down with Kela, a farmer and founder of Konterra Life Farms in Maryland. Kela is deeply rooted in regenerative, soil-first farming practices and is also a registered dietitian who understands the powerful connection between the land and our health. We talk about what…
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#174: Mushrooms, Justice, and the Future of Food with Eight Fold Farms DC
In this episode of The Edible Activist, Melissa sits down with JR, founder and CEO of EightFold Farms DC, a network of hyperlocal urban farms transforming rooftops, lawns, and underused spaces in Washington, DC’s Wards 7 and 8. Frustrated by limited access to healthy food and inspired by global...
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#173: Bees & Seeds at Châteaux Cocoa
In this episode, we sit down with Darrelynne Strother, founder of Châteaux Cocoa, where wellness takes root through gardening, beekeeping, and community care. From a childhood moment tossing cucumber seeds to leading hands-on beekeeping workshops, Darrelynne shares how personal healing blossomed...
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#172: Fried Chicken & Caviar: Reclaiming Luxury with Chi Walker
In this episode, we sit down with Chi Walker—creative force, culinary curator, and one-half of the duo behind Fried Chicken and Caviar, the pop-up redefining what luxury looks and tastes like through a soulful, intentional lens. Chi invites us into her world of flavor, storytelling, and cultural...
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#171: Protecting Food Access: A Policy Update with LaMonika Jones
In this episode, we’re joined once again by LaMonika Jones, Director of State Initiatives at the Food Research & Action Center, for a food policy update. LaMonika breaks down key threats to SNAP at the federal level, offers insight into where we are in D.C.’s local budget process, and unpacks the...
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#170: Anderson James Farm: A Conversation with The Chicken Mama
Meet Kizzy Anderson James—a fierce spirit cultivating community, creativity, and flavor straight from the soil. In this episode of Edible Activist, host Melissa L. Jones welcomes the dynamic force behind Anderson James Farm. Kizzy is an urban farmer, disabled veteran, chicken mama, and…
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#169: Great Mother Garden Solutions
In this episode, we sit down with Tamara, the founder of Great Mother Garden Solutions, to explore the deep roots of land stewardship and herbal wisdom. From ancestral influences to the decision to grow her own herbs, she shares her journey of reconnecting with the earth. We unpack the overlooked...
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#168: The Joy of Black Foodways with Indigo Culinary & Co.
In this episode, we explore the rich tapestry of Black foodways with Josmine Evans, founder of Indigo Culinary & Co. As a cultural preservationist, chef, and storyteller, Josmine is on a mission to honor the culinary traditions of the African diaspora—one spice blend, one dish, and one story at a...
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#167: Black Girl Environmentalist: Building Community in DC
In this episode of Edible Activist, we’re joined by Olivia and Deja, co-Hub leaders of Black Girl Environmentalist DC. Focused on fostering an inclusive climate movement, they organize events in the District and surrounding areas to connect Black women to nature and environmental justice work.…
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#166: Marching Forward: Resistance, Rest & Reconnecting with Nature
As we step into March, I’m reflecting on what it means to march forward—with purpose, even when the ground beneath us feels unsteady. In this episode, I share thoughts on resistance, the quiet ways we push back, and why rest is just as important as the fight. Plus, I’m talking about my plans to...
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#165: Reclamation & Resilience – Taking Nature Black 2025
In this episode of Edible Activist, we’re kicking off the year with a powerful conversation about Taking Nature Black, a conference dedicated to celebrating Black leadership in the environmental movement. As an official media sponsor, I’m honored to amplify this year’s theme: “Reclamation &...
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#164: Edible Activist Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead
Join me as I reflect on 2024—celebrating Edible Activist’s key milestones, and the exciting journey ahead in amplifying Black voices in growing spaces.
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#163: Farming Truths and Myths: A Live Conversation with Gail
Catch the full live episode on YouTube to experience the energy firsthand! Tune in for an inspiring celebration of resilience, community, and the legacy of "The People's Farmer." https://youtu.be/3jE_6OSPJA0
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#162: Ashwagandha’s Power and Revolutionizing Wellness with HSA/FSA
In this episode, we sit down with Najee Ellerbe, founder of Everybody's Juice, to explore the journey behind his growing health-focused business. We revisit his origin story, building on his previous appearance in Episode #56, and discuss the biggest lessons he's learned along the way. Najee also...
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#161: Food Systems Spotlight: SNAP and Farm Bill
In this episode of Edible Activist, we welcome back LaMonika Jones, Executive Director of DC Hunger Solutions, to discuss the latest updates on SNAP benefits, focusing on the changes with Give SNAP a Raise and its impact on families in the District. We’ll also delve into the Farm Bill…
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#160: Growing Futures: Youth, Food, and Community
In this episode, students from the Youth Entrepreneurship Cooperative at Common Good City Farm take the lead, sharing their experiences exploring urban farming, food systems, and small business entrepreneurship. Through their initiative, "Youth Common Agrowments," the teens developed community...
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#159: Farmer Wes aka The Compost King
We sit down with Farmer Wes, aka The Compost King, as he shares his inspiring journey and entrepreneurial legacy from his roots to his current role in urban agriculture. Explore his early agricultural experiences in Trinidad, from knocking down mangoes with bamboo shoots as a child, to his...
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#158: Heirs Property 101: Insights with Urban Planner, Brittney Drakeford
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers and are sharing personal experiences. For legal assistance with heirs property, please consult a lawyer.
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#157: Seeds of Blackness: A Journey Through St. Croix
Join us as we delve into the vibrant world of St. Croix, exploring its rich history, culture, and culinary traditions that make this Virgin Island a unique gem. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sade Anderson Brown, the visionary behind Seeds of Blackness, to uncover what drew her to St.…
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#156: Empowering LA: Prosperity Market Transforming Food Access
Join us on this episode as we welcome Carmen and Kara, the dynamic duo behind Prosperity Market LA—a unique farmers market on wheels and food truck that features Black farmers, food producers, and chefs, bringing a curated market experience to the diverse communities of Los Angeles. Discover…
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#155: The Roots of OlaLekan: Farmer Tolu’s Story
Join us as we explore the inspiring journey behind OlaLekan Farm with its founder, Farmer Tolu. Named in honor of her grandparents, the farm is a symbol of wealth, joy, and honor, impacting food access and cultural preservation in the DC area. Discover how her personal heritage shapes the farm's...
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#154: Sowing Seeds with Farmer Monica Newman
Join us for an inspiring conversation with farmer and Navy veteran Monica Newman as we explore her remarkable journey from archaeological technician to seed company founder. Discover how her quest to reconnect with her ancestry led her to forge a deep bond with the land and start a company...
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#153: Homegrown Delights with Plots & Pans
Join us on our podcast as we catch up with Dominique Charles of Plots & Pans and dive into her latest adventures. We fondly reminisce about her Louisiana upbringing, sharing cherished memories of bonding over tractor rides with her grandad. Dominique generously imparts valuable gardening advice...
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#152: Advocating for DC's Food & Health Future
Join us for an in-depth conversation with returning guest LaMonika Jones of DC Hunger Solutions, as we celebrate the victories in DC's battle against hunger with initiatives like Hear the Crunch and Give Snap a Raise. Explore the challenges facing the DC food and health system in the FY25 budget,...
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#151: Exclusive Live Podcast: HOMEGROWN with Byrd's Nest Box
During this exclusive episode of The Edible Activist Live Podcast event, we opened our studio doors to welcome guests into a vibrant, in-person dialogue celebrating HOMEGROWN – paying tribute to the black women growers, farmers, and food activists who shape our communities. We had the privilege…
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About this show
Edible Activist is a podcast that feeds you empowering narratives and perspectives from the voices of emerging black people and people of color in food and agriculture who are stewarding the land, healing communities, and advocating for food justice and economic power across the globe. Hosted by Melissa L. Jones, she interviews a diverse group of everyday growers, farmers, entrepreneurs, artists, and other extraordinary individuals, who exemplify activism in their own edible way!
Hosted by
Melissa L. Jones