N° 58 — June 18, 2021
Stay in touch as we celebrate Washington Youth Garden's 50th Anniversary. Enjoy our updates and insights from FONA, the U.S. National Arboretum, and WYG.
Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865. While Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans since 1866, it was only recognized as a national holiday this week.

In this week's FONA Field Notes, we are sharing resources to reflect on Junteenth's history, appreciate the impact of food and agriculture on the holiday, support local Black-owned businesses and organizations, and engage with our DC community.
Learn & Reflect
Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture's guide to Juneteenth. Learn the history, discover resources for young children, dive into the reading list, and more.
Red foods are a main feature during Juneteenth celebrations and symbolize "ingenuity and resilience in bondage." Enslaved Africans brought red kola nuts and hibiscus pods with them to America.
In 1865, Union General William T. Sherman promised all formerly enslaved families "40 acres and a mule" as a form of reparations, a promise soon broken by President Andrew Jackson. This article from National Farmers Union highlights how land and food inequity for Black Americans has continued throughout American history and is still evident today.
Support
Supporting Black-owned businesses is a great way to celebrate Juneteenth. Washington, DC has a plethora of restaurants and businesses you can support this weekend and beyond.

Our Washington Youth Garden team has also compiled a list of 13 local Black-owned farms, gardens, and food justice organizations working in the DMV. See the full guide on Instagram.
Farms & Gardens
Dreaming Out Loud: 2-acre farm and food hub in Ward 7. Hosts a Black Farm CSA with flexible pricing.

Three Part Harmony Farm: 2-acre farm in Northeast DC and local CSA.

Deep Roots Farm: Organic farm in MD, can be found at H Street and Dupont farmers markets.

Sylvanaqua Farms: Delivers high-quality local eggs and meat door-to-door in the DMV.

THEARC Farm: The largest urban farm east of the Anacostia River. Hosts a women and farmers of color CSA.

Soilful City: Urban garden in Ward 8 that seeks to heal the sacred relationship between communities of African descent and mother earth.

Purple Mountain Organics: Locally-produced grains, can be found at the Dupont and Takoma Park farmers markets.
Food Justice Organizations
Kyanite Kitchen: Distributes hot meals, produce, non-perishables, and toiletries to Wards 7 and 8.

Err'body Eats: Combats food insecurity via ready-to-eat meals, community education, and employment opportunities.

The Green Scheme: Bridges communities and resources to empower youth to live healthy and sustainable lives.

Fuel the People: Fuels the community with meals from Black and POC restaurants and chefs.

Hustlaz 2 Harvesters: Affects change through urban farming, nutrition, building trade, and employment initiatives.

DC Urban Greens: Establishes a distribution system of healthy foods to Wards 7 and 8.
Engage & Celebrate
June 19th, 10 AM - Noon at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center: Outdoor yoga and mindfulness activities for families and students hosted by multiple DC school organizations. This event will create space to affirm LGBTQ+ Black youth. Register Now >

June 19th, 11 AM - 2 PM at Union Market: Enjoy food and live music while exploring a new exhibit at Dock 5 behind Union Market highlighting Black women organizers, activists, and storytellers. Learn More >

June 19th, 4 - 7 PM at Oxon Run Park: Join the Sisterhood Supper Juneteenth Celebration hosted by Women and Girls Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics, and Agriculture. There'll be storytelling, recipe sharing, performers, and supper. Register Now >

June 19th at 8 PM: Step Afrika! virtual performance premiering three unique works to "honor and embody the determination, resilience, and reclamation of freedom." Learn More >
The Arboretum is open every day from 8 AM - 5 PM except December 25th. Some buildings and collections remain closed to ensure visitor and staff safety.
Friends of the National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.544.8733
FONA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization with the mission to preserve and enhance a vibrant public space and support experiential programming that instills a love of plants, nature and the outdoors in all who visit, while promoting the overarching research and education mission of the U.S. National Arboretum.

Since its inception, FONA has helped support the Washington Youth Garden, Capitol Columns, Flowering Tree Walk, horticultural and research internships, restoration of Springhouse Run, and much more.
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