Karen Washington

Karen Washington. Co-founding member of Black Urban Growers

Karen Washington is a prominent figure in the urban farming movement, particularly known for her work in New York City. She has been a leading advocate for community gardens, food justice, and urban agriculture, aiming to reduce food insecurity in low-income neighborhoods and promote sustainable food systems.

Early Life and Education

Karen Washington grew up in New York City. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in the environment and the disparities in food access across different communities. Washington pursued her education in physical therapy but found her calling in the world of urban farming and community activism.

Career

Washington's career in urban agriculture began in the late 1980s when she started transforming vacant lots in the Bronx into community gardens. Her efforts were not just about beautifying these spaces but also about addressing the urgent need for fresh produce in her community. She co-founded the La Familia Verde Garden Coalition, a collective of community gardens in the Bronx, which has been instrumental in providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the local community.

In addition to her work with community gardens, Karen Washington has been a vocal advocate for food justice. She has worked with numerous organizations, including Just Food, where she served on the board and helped launch urban farming initiatives and farmers' markets in underserved areas of New York City. Washington's activism extends to speaking engagements and workshops where she addresses issues of food sovereignty, the importance of local agriculture, and the systemic inequalities that affect food access in urban areas.

Recognition

Karen Washington's contributions to urban agriculture and food justice have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including being named one of Ebony magazine's "100 Most Influential African Americans" and receiving the James Beard Foundation Leadership Award.

Philosophy

Washington's philosophy centers around the idea that access to fresh, healthy food is a basic human right. She advocates for a food system that is equitable and sustainable, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and leadership in addressing food insecurity. Washington believes in the power of urban agriculture to not only provide food but also to foster community resilience, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunities.

Legacy and Impact

Karen Washington's legacy is evident in the thriving community gardens and urban farms across New York City and beyond. Her work has inspired a new generation of activists and urban farmers who are committed to continuing the fight for food justice and sustainable urban agriculture. Washington's impact extends beyond the gardens she has helped cultivate; she has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around food systems and community activism.

See Also

• Urban agriculture
• Food justice
• Community gardening
• Sustainable food system