Episode 10: Food Justice with Karen Washington

In this episode, I speak with farmer and activist Karen Washington about the deep roots of food injustice and the power of communities to create change. Ms. Washington shares why she coined the term “food apartheid,” which captures the human realities of race, economics, and systemic inequity that “food desert” overlooks. 

Noting that hunger is manmade, Ms. Washington emphasizes that change happens by shifting power. She does not dwell on complaints and instead focuses on finding solutions. Ms. Washington (AKA "Mama K") urges young activists to speak up, especially in today’s political climate, and to work collectively because power comes from community.

For over four decades, Karen Washington has worked to create a more equitable food system, especially in urban communities. She co-founded Black Urban Growers and Rise & Root Farm, and she’s been a champion for community gardens, urban agriculture, and the fight against food apartheid. Ms. Washington has won a James Beard Foundation Humanitarian award, an Emerson Collective Fellowship recognition, and the Black Women Green Future award to name just a few. 

Learn more about Karen Washington here.