LEXINGTON, Ky. — Jim Coleman said goodbye to New York City last year for a simpler way of life after losing his wife to cancer.
He decided it was time to get back to his roots and restore Coleman Crest Farm, his family's 13-acre farm. Founded in 1888, it's believed to be the oldest black-owned farm in Lexington. And Coleman is knee-deep in all aspects of farm operations.
Coleman hopes to have the farm certified as a producer of organic vegetables, but it holds special meaning for him beyond agriculture.
"So part of the renovation at Coleman Crest Farm is I'm going to create a really great resting place here, and have it roped off and have a full stone that will honor the memory of all of my ancestors. We do have a stone here that my father had placed in for my grandparents, his parents, John and Molly Coleman, and this is where I come up here and reflect and to thank the Lord for this beautiful place called Coleman Crest Farm and the wonderful community called Utteringtown. They were great leaders in this community and great leaders for our family," he said.
He didn't access a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan, so he is not eligible for the debt forgiveness being offered to Black farmers right now. But he's found something just as powerful in his opinion: Black Soil, an organization that provides support to Black farmers.
"I really do believe that the biggest thing that is missing for a lot of African American farmers is the whole area of technical assistance and advice. How do you improve your credit; how do you find customers before you plant; how do you get better financing; and how do you go in and talk to a bank to make them believe in your vision? That's what I've gotten from Black Soil, and that's what most black farmers need,” Coleman said.
A few miles away, Kenya Abraham is milking her cow on her 12-acre farm, and she's not shy about voicing her thoughts about being in spaces where she doesn't always feel welcome.
"Being a person of color and being a Black female Muslim farmer, when I go to situations, when I go to events, go to just about anything for agriculture, there's not anyone there that looks like me," Abraham said.
Like Coleman, Abraham did not access a USDA loan, and therefore, is not a candidate for debt forgiveness. She also shares Coleman's belief in the mission of the Black Soil organization.
"Black Soil has introduced me to many, many opportunities, being a brown milk dairy farmer. They have given me center stage for a lot of opportunities with other organizations, people in the community, and networking in general, as to highlight what I do as a Black farmer,” Abraham said.
She admits the road isn't easy, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Her passion for farming keeps her going strong, even on the toughest days.
"I'm not asking for something I don't deserve. I'm asking for what is rightfully mine, and I'm actually not asking. I don't think you are at the point of asking anymore. We are ready to take it, Abraham said.
Efforts by farmers such as Coleman and Abraham have special significance as the number of Black-owned farms continues to decline. According to recent statistics, farms owned by African Americans make up less than 2% of the total farms in the U.S.