Santa Cruz Black aims to preserve and celebrate the Black community’s history in Santa Cruz, addressing the historical and cultural invisibility of Black residents. Our unique role is in educational empowerment through community engagement projects and film series that are valued for enriching local understanding and fostering inclusivity as well as catalyzing action.
This project addresses current food insecurity and long-term food stability. We will establish community farms using donated land and rooftops for vertical gardens and hydroponic systems for local food production that also serve as educational centers with workshops and cooking classes. Field-to-table community meals will mark the end of each growing season.
Santa Cruz Black emerged in response to the police murder of George Floyd. We aim to create a life-giving community garden, enabling local Black residents to cultivate the foods of our families/ancestors.
This quarter has been one of the most transformative experiences in my life, largely shaped by Santa Cruz Black. I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the complexities of community work — not just events and initiatives but the relationships, struggles, and resilience that comes with it.
Maddison, Santa Cruz, 21 UCSC intern
