Photos: Celebrating a bountiful harvest with community

Pastor Johnny Hunter harvested collard greens from the garden at Zion Baptist Church grown by We Win Institute  youth and the University of Minnesota Arboretum. Hunter said the greens would go in a pot on the stove that night.

Photos by David Pierini, Editor

Driving by Zion Baptist Church at the corner of Elwood Avenue and the Olson Highway, motorists could spot a bountiful garden loaded with colorful flowers and vegetables. 

The garden was a partnership between the We Win Institute and the University of Minnesota Arboretum, where youth tended to small plots, growing carrots, peppers, and greens while learning about the process of food production and the health benefits of fresh produce.

On Saturday, We Win, the Arb and the church invited the public to a Harvest Fest, where vegetables and flowers of the growing season were shared with Northsiders. Fest goers were treated to a meal, African drumming, a drill team, storytelling, and free books written and illustrated by Black authors. 

Amaya Harris, right, Robernay Williams and Daniel Johnson performed as part of the Unlimited Next Level Drill and Dance team. The drill team is based out of the Jerry Gamble Boys and Girls Club.

Families lined up for a lunch of red beans and rice, jerk chicken, coleslaw and plantains.

Eagle Watts, left, learns technique from Monica Irby during a performance of the We Win Institute drummers. At right is Rapha Rush.

Mauri Gillespie cut and gathered zinnias into a bouquet she said she’d give to her partner. 

We Win Institute provided books by Black authors for families to take.

Children listened as civil rights leader Nekima Levy Armstrong read from her book, “J is for Justice.”

After pulling some carrots from the garden, Eagle Watts went to a rinse station to wash off the dirt.