The Hummingbird
​Urban Children’s Farming Collective

The Hummingbirds Urban Farming Collective is dedicated to creating deep connections to land and community for Black children and the communities that help to raise them.

Our goal is to create multi-generational Black centered spaces that focus on deepening connection to the land. We are building community and conversations through workshops, gatherings, reclaiming public spaces, resource sharing, curriculum development, and urban farming projects. We are creating opportunities to highlight the Black brilliance, ingenuity, and land-based wisdom that spans the African Diaspora. The Hummingbird’s name is inspired by a folk tale told by Wangari Maathai about the mighty power of even the smallest among us. 

This project was born out of the desire to provide children from Oakland access to open land, gardening, nutrition, animal care, and upkeep. The children, their families, and communities are stewards of the land and the things that grow from it. They are learning hard skills that will support healthy connected futures.

Recent research points to the power of play, outdoor space, and connection to animals for the growth and development of young people. According to lifesbetteroutside.org children who play outside are “healthier physically and mentally, do better in school, have higher self-esteem, have good self-discipline, feel more capable and confident, are good problem solvers, are more cooperative with others, are more creative, feel connected to nature, are tomorrows conservative leaders.”

We are launching an ongoing series of community workshops that are opportunities for our network of friends, families, and supporters to contribute some sweat-equity to small projects, connect with one another, and share/build visions for future programs and events in community spaces. 

*This project is in partnership with the Sarah Webster Fabio Center for Social Justice 
 
Current projects we need support with: 

-identifying land
– pulling/composting 
-collecting found materials for reuse 
-moving materials 
-creating a walkway/informal staircase 
– terracing  
-building or finding structures for use on the land 
– creating play spaces for children 
-acquiring water catchment systems 
-design experience  
 
Raising funds for: 
landscaping materials 
irrigation  
purchasing structures 
building/connecting bathroom facilities