Black to the Farm brings farmers, chefs and community to one table
Guests arrived by charter bus, dressed in fall outfits, for dinner, connecting them with the farmers behind their food. At The Fields at Rootsprings in Annandale, even the presentation offered something unexpected: soup served in a pumpkin.
Black to the Farm brought Black farmers, chefs and community to one table and its 50 seats sold out in just five days, according to founder and creative culinary director Jametta Raspberry.
“I was shocked at how the community responded,” Raspberry said.
The gathering highlighted a small portion of Minnesota’s agriculture. In 2024, the USDA’s Census of Agriculture reported 61 Black or African American producers statewide.
For farmer Rashad Vaughn, bringing Black farmers and chefs together made the dinner more meaningful.
“It's rare and it's a special thing. And it's not to be taken lightly at all,” Vaughn said.
That connection was Raspberry’s vision.
“Black to the Farm is about bringing black pride back to the land, just as it sounds,” she said.
Rootsprings is a retreat space that centers BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Erin Sharkey, a founder and co-op member, told guests that community fundraising helped purchase the property. “We own all 36 acres,” Sharkey said.
The land offers a space for overnight stays, arts programming and gathering.
Black to the Farm began after Raspberry visited a farm in Milledgeville, Georgia, where she saw the connections between raising animals, preparing food, and bringing people together to eat.
She first organized Black to the Farm in 2023 with a small group of friends. This year she wanted to be more intentional with relationships with Black farmers and chefs.
Farm partners included Freedom Farms, Dawn2Dusk Farm and Vaughn’s 20 Pastures Farm. Raspberry asked what the farmers were growing then worked with executive chef Garrison Sherwood and chef Angelo Smith to develop dishes using their products. Jhaelynn Elam, founder of the B Suites, served as the event's executive producer.
The Cornish hens served for dinner came with a story that started long before the dinner table. Vaughn said children helped raise the birds over the summer, learning to feed and care for them.
“The chicken we eat today is a part of an entire summer experience we did with just myself and also the children,” Vaughn said.
A former professional basketball player, Vaughn said his love for animals and the outdoors led him to buy a farm. He now raises livestock and poultry and works as a butcher. He wanted guests to leave curious about every step between the farm and their plates.
“You gotta know where your food's coming from. You gotta know who's preparing it,” Vaughn said.
Attendee Amelia Johnson came with her own questions. She began gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saginaw, Michigan, and attended with her daughter.
“Well, I'm looking to get some information on how I can better do my gardening,” Johnson said.
“I was excited about just seeing what they've grown and how well they've done and just to learn some things about gardening,” she added.
For Vaughn, sharing a meal was a chance to connect.
“I love how, you know, we able to sit down, commune, talk, eat together. We sharing the same meal,” he said.
Raspberry hopes to hold Black to the Farm at least annually, though she hasn't announced an official date. She wants guests to help shape what comes next.
“We get to decide how we want our future to exist, right?” Raspberry told attendees.
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