THE O.G. (Organic Gardener)

I am a new Green For All Fellow, I received this award because of my workshop series entitled “Going Green Living Bling: Redefining the Image of Wealth”. I have been actively teaching youth organic gardening in an urban setting, growing various crops from corn to gourds for instruments. I understand how to interact with young people, doing my best to shift my way of thinking to match theirs.I feel I understand the culture, I recognize the struggle and I want to be a part of the movement to bring change to our future thinking. I feel I understand the culture, I recognize the struggle and I want to be a part of the movement to bring change to our future thinking. I am a new father, African American male.

I bring to this project, knowledge of African culture and knowledge of being of African decent growing up in America. I come from a family of sharecroppers, I am currently an O.G. (Organic Gardener), and I am skilled in videography and photography. I work well in small and large groups. I make an excellent facilitator as well as student. I have an artistic background and have learned to utilize my talents to reach people of various ages, and cultural backgrounds. I am skilled in homeopathic medicine and remedies, and if necessary I can deliver a baby, having brought my own into the world. I create graphic design art and social media promotional tools, so I have knowledge behind getting word to the masses if there is a need on our journey. I am a musician and poet, bringing entertainment and moments of meditative breaks in this work that is most times serious. I bring all of these talents and skills that make me a multi-dimensioned individual. I bring my life experiences, having redirected my path from one of an unknown future to the present, where I am teaching and sharing my gifts in a positive way. Traveling to Africa is very powerful for me. It is the place that motivated the change in my life. It shifted my values, my beliefs and my goals. I am now dedicated to speaking for the people who need it most. I strive to maintain a positive outlook and attitude toward life and it's challenges and I will bring this attribute to the project. I bring my experience in agriculture and my love for all things living.

If I knew I could not fail, I would continue work with my Brown Suga Youth and Holistic Health Festival, expanding it through the state of Colorado and then the country. I would then take it abroad, starting with rural communities and populations with high rates of illness. I would invite the Dali Lama to speak to my community. I would write grants for every organization that I believe in. I would create housing for impoverished and homeless youth. Giving them spaces to grow food, learn life skills and connect with other youth. I would put together a farmer's market for my community and the other communities of color that are food deserts. Giving local gardeners, cooks and craftsmen/women a place to sell their goods. I would raise funding to help families obtain solar, wind and water harnessing mechanisms for their homes. I would push my innovative ideas in the grant I have become a part of called the Youth Engagement Zone, whose focus is to teach and support youth over 3 years to improve their academic and social situations. Thinking outside of the box and trying new ideas to reach our youth. If I knew I could not fail, I would work to have a garden planted at every school possible, so that children may enjoy watching things grow and have fresh cooked, healthy meals. I would also begin giving classes in vegan cooking to people looking to cleanse their bodies or improve their dietary habits.