Understanding Our History and Fighting for a Better Future

On the last day of Black History Month, I implore each of us to continue learning. Black History IS American history. Let us commit to learning the true history of our nation, and to celebrating the contributions of Black Americans every day — every month of the year.

As February ends, I’d like to honor the experiences of Black Vermonters and share just a few stories about the work they are doing to make Vermont a welcoming place for all.

Land Access is a Social Justice Issue: The Fight to Preserve Black Farm Ownership in America

In 1910, Black farmers made up 14% of all farmers in the United States. Today, Black farmers account for fewer than 2% of U.S. farmers and own less than 1% of all American farmland.

I encourage all Vermonters to learn about the history of land ownership in our country. In the video below, hear about the work being done in Vermont and the larger New England region to preserve and increase African American farm ownership and celebrate Black heritage. You can also find the video here.

This month I entered a statement into the Congressional Record — the official archive of the U.S. Congress — honoring the work of the Clemmons Family Farm, which is located in Charlotte, VT. Read the full statement here.

Vermont Students Demanding Justice

I stand with students of the South Burlington School District and all Vermonters who are demanding justice and an end to the horrors of systemic racism. Read VT Digger’s article on the raising of the Black Lives Matter flag at South Burlington Middle school here.

Helping Families of Color Access Food During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Before the pandemic, Black Americans experienced hunger at more than twice the rate of white Americans — and we know due to the COVID-19 crisis that more families than ever before are struggling to put food on the table.

After seeing so many struggle to afford healthy food, the Susu Community Farm started a free CSA program for families of color in Windham County, VT. Learn about the program, their mission to provide safe spaces for people color, and their plans to buy farmland in the video below. You can also view the video here. 

Ensuring ALL Our People Have Access to Vital COVID-19 Information

It is critically important that all Vermonters have information on coronavirus prevention, treatment, test sites, and vaccine registration. The Vermont Health Department, in partnership with the Vermont Multilingual Task Force, has created translated materials and videos so that all Vermont families remain informed of the latest public health updates. You can find the translated materials on the Health Department site here.

I’m very glad to see that community groups are also finding creative ways to help disseminate coronavirus information. The Afro- folk jazz group, KeruBo, recently released a song to encourage Vermont’s African families to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine. Read an interview with the group’s lead vocalist here, and watch the music video below, or here.

I believe if we all do the necessary work to understand our nation’s stories of achievement and progress, of joy and suffering, then together we can create a better future.

In the year since we last celebrated Black History Month, we have experienced an unprecedented health and economic crisis that has both highlighted and worsened our country’s disparities. To state it plainly, Black Americans and communities of color have experienced immense suffering and pain over the last twelve months. Even here in Vermont, where we have responded to the pandemic better than nearly any other state in the nation, we have still seen disproportionately worse rates of COVID infection and death among Black Vermonters. As we reflect on what Black History Month means for us as a nation, we must take time to celebrate the many joyful stories and rich history of the Black community, while also acknowledging the devastating realities of systemic racism, struggle for equality and equity, and the immense amount of work before us.

I am hopeful that if we are truly committed to creating a more just society, we will educate ourselves and actively work to create anti-racist communities every day. And that means tomorrow — when it is no longer Black History Month — the work continues.