African American Studies in the School Garden

As educators, we know the profound impact of connecting students to the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of those who came before us, and also of highlighting the resilience, innovation, and community-building that continue to this day. A school garden offers a unique and meaningful space to honor Black history and culture—not just during Black History Month but throughout the year. From the origins of many gardening practices to the visionary ideas that revolutionized food systems to crops and associated cuisine, Black leaders have shaped our understanding of agriculture, horticulture, and food justice in powerful ways.

Explore Cuisine and Crops

Crops like okra, black-eyed peas, Carolina Gold rice, and more are Indigenous to Africa and, during the period of enslavement, provided comfort and connection to African people's homeland.

Planting and cooking heritage crops are one of the tastiest ways to celebrate and explore Black history and food traditions.

Learn About Influential People

Did you know many of our common garden tools, seeds, and practices originated in Africa and traveled to America with enslaved Africans? Or that Black visionaries like George Washington Carver, played pivotal roles in shaping the school garden movement? Sharing these stories can help students see themselves reflected in the history of food and farming.

From George Washington Carver to Michelle Obama, black leaders have shaped our understanding of food and farming.

Do you know who invented the ice cream scoop? Click below to learn more about past and present Black Innovators.

Research African American Farmers

African people enslaved in America came with an abundance of agricultural knowledge. Their knowledge and skills continue to shape American agricultural practices.

Explore the videos and resources below to learn more about African Americans influence on farming and injustices related to slavery.

  • Short video and article suitable for older students on The History of Black Farmers in America, plus links to contemporary urban farming projects. from Kids Should See This

  • Learn how CSAs are rooted in African American History in this short article and video

  • Legacy of African American Farmers in the Carolinas shared in 26 minute video suitable for upper elementary and above.

    Learn how sharecropping worked, and meet a Vietnam Veteran living his retirement dream by farming in Cabarrus County. Then meet first generation farmers and the founders of Deep Roots CPS Farm in northwest Charlotte. Finally discover the world of Black Cowboys and meet the organizers of the Black Cowboy Festival in South Carolina.

  • Synthesis Practice (Grades 9-12) from Teachers Pay Teachers

    Students learn about the themes of African American farming, discrimination, and reparations and develop a synthesis essay. Students will read, listen to, and view supporting clips while learning the necessary strategies to analyze an excerpt from Farming While Black by Leah Penniman.

    Sharecropping, Slavery by Another Name Video snippets of a full length movie that share a perspective of “neo-slavery” after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation with a focus on Sharecropping land use. Includes a Classroom section with activity guides and tips for facilitating discussions. from PBS (High School Level)

    Farming as a Political Act: The Connection between African-Americans and Land High School level article and accompanying discussion questions. from The Corps Network

 

Black History Month Programming Examples

Webinars Presented by GardEn Educators on Teaching Black History in the Garden

  • Teaching Black History and Futures From Georgia Organics and Farm to School Educators Andrea Blanton and Jenna Mobley
    This session models for teachers ways to honor those who came before us throughout the school year and throughout our varying school garden activities related to crops, farming systems, and learning about black innovators. Teachers leave with stories to share that will allow all of their students to see themselves celebrated in the history and future of food and farming.

  • Celebrating African American and Black Culture in Youth GardensFrom Kids Gardening and Educators Wanda Stewart and Reeba Daniel who share their work and methods for celebrating and centering African American and Black culture in youth gardens. This webinar focuses on how to create a space for black students in the school garden. Presenters describe the efficacy of including intercultural knowledge when developing a school garden. 

additional ideas & perspectives to continue enhancing your knowledge related to African Americans’ influence on food, farming & related innovations.

Black history is not confined to the past—it’s a living, evolving story.

As Danielle Russel, Green Schoolyards Program Manager at Openlands Chicago highlights, we must honor both the painful legacy of enslavement and the resilience, innovation, and community-building that continue to this day. The school garden is an ideal place to explore these histories and inspire the next generation to learn, grow, and lead with knowledge and respect.

Whether you’re planting heritage crops, sharing stories of Black innovators, or creating a space for meaningful dialogue, your school garden can be a catalyst for connection and celebration. Let’s honor the roots that nourish us and the leaders who motivate us to cultivate a brighter future.

What will you grow and learn this year in your school garden?

Share how you teach about black history in your garden & cooking programs at the School Garden Support Organization Forum.

Edible Education - Lessons & Activities, Garden Education - Lessons & ActivitiesJohn FisherBlack History