In this episode of Edible Activist, we’re joined by Olivia and Deja, co-Hub leaders of Black Girl Environmentalist DC. Focused on fostering an inclusive climate movement, they organize events in the District and surrounding areas to connect Black women to nature and environmental justice work. Tune in as they share the story behind Black Girl Environmentalist, their efforts to shift narratives, and what environmental justice looks like when led by Black and Brown communities.

As we step into March, I’m reflecting on what it means to march forward—with purpose, even when the ground beneath us feels unsteady. In this episode, I share thoughts on resistance, the quiet ways we push back, and why rest is just as important as the fight. Plus, I’m talking about my plans to reclaim the outdoors and an upcoming event you don’t want to miss—the Taking Nature Black conference. Let’s keep marching, y’all. Stay rooted, stay present, and let’s move forward together.

Join me as I reflect on 2024—celebrating Edible Activist’s key milestones, and the exciting journey ahead in amplifying Black voices in growing spaces.

In this episode, we sit down with Najee Ellerbe, founder of Everybody's Juice, to explore the journey behind his growing health-focused business. We revisit his origin story, building on his previous appearance in Episode #56, and discuss the biggest lessons he's learned along the way. Najee also shares the benefits of ashwagandha, a supplement he offers through Everybody's Juice, which played a key role in his own healing journey. Finally, he explains how he integrated HSA/FSA into his business model to make healthy juice more affordable and accessible.

In this episode of Edible Activist, we welcome back LaMonika Jones, Executive Director of DC Hunger Solutions, to discuss the latest updates on SNAP benefits, focusing on the changes with Give SNAP a Raise and its impact on families in the District. We’ll also delve into the Farm Bill, highlighting the importance of finalizing legislation that supports all aspects of the food ecosystem. Tune in for these essential updates!

In this episode, students from the Youth Entrepreneurship Cooperative at Common Good City Farm take the lead, sharing their experiences exploring urban farming, food systems, and small business entrepreneurship. Through their initiative, "Youth Common Agrowments," the teens developed community agreements to address local challenges and created their own hot sauce brand, "Hot Topic." Focused on raising the wage floor for youth and advocating for their future, this mission-driven project highlights the power of youth leadership. Listen as these teens discuss how they're cultivating change in their community through growth, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

We sit down with Farmer Wes, aka The Compost King, as he shares his inspiring journey and entrepreneurial legacy from his roots to his current role in urban agriculture. Explore his early agricultural experiences in Trinidad, from knocking down mangoes with bamboo shoots as a child, to his transformative journey through the Regenerative Agriculture Certificate program at Common Good City Farm. Wes unpacks the essentials of composting, its importance for growing healthy food, and what farming has looked like during this sweltering summer. Plus, get an insider's look at his involvement in other food justice initiatives and find out his top vegetable and fruit pick of the season. Tune in!