We explore the legacy and impact of Brooklyn Heights Community Garden in Nashville’s Food Justice Movement.
Photo by Brooklyn Heights Community Garden
“You work…you eat.”
Brooklyn Heights Community Garden (BHCG) is a vibrant 0.56-acre urban farm nestled in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee. This historically Black and economically disadvantaged area faces significant food access challenges, that residents describe as "food apartheid." Founded by Nella "Ms. Pearl" Frierson, BHCG is a testament to community resilience, sustainability, and empowerment.
Ms. Pearl's journey began in 2009 when she purchased vacant lots at 1833 and 1835 Haynes Street, across from her home. What started as a personal gardening endeavor evolved into a formal non-profit organization in 2014.
By 2019, Ms. Pearl expanded the initiative by acquiring a neighboring house to serve as a workspace for garden workers, interns, and artists. BHCG is recognized as an urban farm by the USDA Farm Service Agency.
Photo by Brooklyn Heights Community Garden
The garden was established to reconnect the community with its roots, foster self-awareness, and promote healthy living. The absence of nearby grocery stores and inadequate public transportation highlight the critical need for BHCG’s fresh produce and educational programs.
Photo by Brooklyn Heights Community Garden
Ms. Pearl's vision was deeply influenced by the historical and cultural significance of the land. Brooklyn Heights is not only a historically Black neighborhood but also a place where community organizing and self-determination have been pivotal. Co-director Ashley Brailsford emphasizes that the land holds the stories of Indigenous and Black peoples who have stewarded it through the centuries.
Today, BHCG serves as a cornerstone for food justice and community engagement in Northeast Nashville. It plays a unique role as the only community garden north of the Cumberland River, addressing local food access issues through educational programs and fresh food distribution.
Recent initiatives include salsa-making workshops, walking meditation, and diverse volunteer opportunities, such as Energy Exchange, which embodies giving to and receiving from the Earth.
Photo by Brooklyn Heights Community Garden
The garden's location has a rich history. The land, once owned by prominent figures like Reverend William Haynes, has seen significant changes over the years. Historical maps and documents reveal the evolution of the area from Native American land to a Black neighborhood shaped by various social and economic forces.
Low Income Area Map by Brooklyn Heights Community Garden
Brooklyn Heights Community Garden stands as a symbol of hope and renewal. It not only provides essential fresh produce but also serves as a space for creative expression, intergenerational learning, and community building. As Ms. Pearl envisioned, the garden continues to nourish the community, offering a space for healing, education, and collective growth.
Join us in supporting and celebrating this vital community resource as it carries forward a legacy of farming, spirituality, and social justice. Explore our journey and become part of the story.
Photo by Brooklyn Heights Community Garden
Name: Brooklyn Heights Community Garden
Location: 1833 Haynes St, Nashville, TN, 37207
Meeting Time: Various Wednesdays and Saturdays from March through October
What’s Growing?
Basil, Bok Choy, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Chives, Flowers, Herbs, Lettuce, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach, Sunflower, Sweet Potatoes, Thyme, Zucchini
Want to join our network and have your garden featured on this website? Please fill out our Google Form.
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