Shane Bernardo, Detroit’s Earthworks Farm, leading OKT event Saturday

May17

6229188421_7963ff8479_bUprooting racism in the food system: What does it mean to be civically engaged in the food justice movement?
wsg Shane Bernardo

 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat. May 21, 2016
Sherman Street Church,
1000 Sherman St. SE 49507

Grand Rapids, MI. May 12, 2016– Shane Bernardo, a long-life resident of Detroit, works for social justice, primarily food justice issues. Currently, he serves as outreach coordinator for Earthworks Urban Farm, a program of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

On Saturday May 21, he will help area community members explore the topic, Uprooting racism in the food system: What does it mean to be civically engaged in the food justice movement? Through this exploration, participants will reshape the way they see food, themselves and their communities as they connect to the importance of and power within food. This power, while holding great potential for families and communities, is threatened by institutionalized racism. Truly sustainable food systems demand racial equity. Part of the day will focus on a power-mapping activity that will demonstrate how all community members can all be a part of this important work.

Born in Detroit a few years after the 1967 rebellion, Shane grew up working in his family’s small, ethnic grocery store on the city’s west side. For 13 years, Shane’s family helped cultivate a safe, nurturing environment for the Asian, African and Afro-Caribbean community to purchase culturally relevant foods and share recipes, traditions and rituals linked to these foods.  As a result, Shane developed a heightened awareness of social and economic conditions within the context of a racially, ethnically and culturally stratified community. Shane is also a member of Detroit Asian Youth Project, The Detroit Food Justice Task Force, Uprooting Racism: Planting Justice, The People’s Platform Detroit and Equitable Detroit Coalition.

Workshop details:

  • Light breakfast and lunch provided.
  • RSVP to oktable1@gmail.com or 616-206-3641
  • Please bring a water bottle for hydration.

· Free or $25 donation for those who are able.