PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will host Leah Penniman as part of its Earthseed Speaker Series & Skillshare on Thursday, April 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

 

The event, which is open to the public, will take place in the Koussevitzky Arts Center, Room K111. Registration is available at www.berkshirecc.edu/earthseed.

 

Penniman, co-founder and co-executive director of Soul Fire Farm in Petersburg, NY, will speak about her work in food justice and sustainable agriculture. Soul Fire Farm, established in 2010, focuses on addressing racial disparities within the food system and promoting land access for Black and Brown communities. Penniman's work includes farmer training programs, food distribution initiatives, and advocacy for equitable food systems.

 

Penniman holds a Master of Arts in science education and a Bachelor of Arts in environmental science and international development from Clark University. Her experience includes farming since 1996, teaching high school biology and environmental science for 17 years, and training in organic farming practices. She has received recognition such as the Soros Racial Justice Fellowship, Fulbright Program, and James Beard Leadership Award. She is the author of "Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm's Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land" (2018) and "Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists" (2023).

 

A Skillshare: Work-and-Learn Day will follow the speaking event on Tuesday, June 24, at Soul Fire Farm. Participants will learn about farming practices and support Soul Fire Farm's operations. Soul Fire Farm utilizes Afro-indigenous agroforestry, silvopasture, wildcrafting, polyculture, and spiritual farming practices. The farm produces fruits, plant medicine, livestock, honey, mushrooms, vegetables, and preserves, with a focus on providing food to communities experiencing food apartheid. Registration details for the Skillshare event will be announced later.