Join us for The Future of Food Conversation Series!
The Future of Food: Moving from Food Apartheid to a Future of Food Justice
“To free ourselves, we must feed ourselves,” says Leah Penniman, a widely recognized leader in the food and racial justice movement. Her words are inspired by the reality that racial injustice and inequity is embedded in the very foundation of our current food system.
If we’re going to build a just and regenerative food future for Nashville, we cannot do so without imagining how the future centers the needs and desires of people and communities of color. In this conversation, we’ll hear from community members about models of work and action they see unfolding in our community that are beginning to transform our food system into one that creates and nurtures racial justice.
The moderated panel discussion will be followed by open Q&A and an opportunity for community conversation and networking.
This event is free and open to the public.
About our panelists:
Rev. Jen Bailey
Rev. Jen Bailey is a community cartographer, public theologian, and strategist committed to nurturing new pathways for spiritual expression and cultivating communities of belonging grounded in justice, equity, and compassion for all. She is an ordained minister, public theologian, and national leader in the multi-faith movement for justice.
Rev. Jen is the Founder of Faith Matters Network and Co-Founder of the People’s Supper, in addition to being an Ashoka Fellow, Aspen Ideas Scholar and Truman Scholar, among many other honors. Her work has been featured on OnBeing with Krista Tippett, CBS This Morning, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and beyond. She was ordained an itinerant elder in the Africa Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in 2013 and serves on the staff of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Nashville.
You can learn more about Rev. Jen here.
Photo and bio excerpt courtesy of reverendjen.com
Rasheedat Fetuga
Rasheedat, a dedicated mother, former Metro Nashville Public School teacher, and beloved community leader, is a visionary known for her communal leadership style that unites youth in vulnerable communities to promote peace.
As the Founder and CEO of Gideon’s Army, a Nashville-based grassroots organization led by youth and families impacted by the school-to-prison pipeline and street violence, Rasheedat's work is driven by her heartache and unwavering commitment to justice. No matter the obstacle she continues boldly in her mission to bring about a just peace alongside Nashville's youth. Under her leadership, Gideon’s Army has achieved numerous milestones, including the widespread adoption of Restorative Practices in schools, transformative changes in policing, and innovative violence interruption programs.
Rasheedat's journey is deeply rooted in her royal heritage as an Ijebu princess, reflecting her family's legacy of love and care for their communities. Her dedication to liberation and peace shines through in her speaking, training, and coaching efforts, making her a formidable force for positive change.
Jerome Moore (panel moderator)
Jerome is a Nashville native and explorer of social change. He is a bestselling author, captivating speaker, and the dynamic force behind the thought-provoking podcast series Deep Dish Conversations, which focused on exploring the perspectives of social change through solution-based conversations.
Jerome is also the visionary producer and host of the popular TV Show, A Slice of the Community, airing exclusively on Nashville Public Television PBS Station. He also hosts the monthly radio segment, Diversely Segregated, on Nashville's local news and NPR station WPLN. Recently, Jerome has embarked on a new venture as the co-host and producer of The Nashville Scene Podcast.
You can learn more about Jerome here.
Photo and bio excerpt courtesy of jeromelmoore.com
Patricia Tarquino
Patricia Tarquino is the Director of Community Agriculture at the Nashville Food Project and an immigrant from Cali, Colombia, South America. She has experience as a Community Organizer in the coalfields of Central Appalachia defending water, land, and community rights. Patricia now serves as a Board Member of Cosecha Community Development and member President of Grow 2 Learn Cooperative. Patricia is also a 2023 Community Food Systems Fellow through the Vital Village Network and Boston Medical Center, and is a Master Gardener. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Sociology from Berea College.
Join us May 30!
This event is in collaboration with:
