Black Farm History Matters

Guest Writer: Ms. Amber Eady

In the heart of Georgia’s agrarian landscape, where the soil is rich with history and the air carries the scent of tradition, lies a tapestry of resilience woven by Black centennial farms. For over a century, these families have tended to their lands with unwavering dedication, preserving a heritage that spans generations. Amidst the rolling fields and verdant pastures, the stories of these farms echo with the triumphs of perseverance and the promise of a future rooted in tradition and the soil.

At the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter each fall, families from all backgrounds and race and cultural heritages, from across Georgia gather to receive their Centennial Family Farm awards. The significance of their family achievements is a testament to the extraordinary history of agriculture and agrarian tradition throughout the state. Among the honored families, African American families, while limited in number, continue to serve as exceptional beacons of resilience, hope, and prosperity as their unique agrarian journey in this state highlights the important role that African Americans have played in American agriculture, in Georgia and beyond.

One such family for example, the Williams family, whose farm, the Kentavia Williams Farm, in Thomasville, Georgia, has existed for over 140 years and received the Georgia Centennial Farm award in 2013. As descendants of Charles Cockrell, a visionary farmer who purchased 245 acres of land, in November 1883, the Williams family understands the profound significance of their agricultural heritage. From the cotton fields tended by their forefathers and mothers to the cabbage gardens nurtured by their own hands, each harvest is a celebration of continuity and tradition. Being awarded the centennial family farm award not only affirmed their place in Georgia’s agricultural history, but also provided opportunities for telling their family story and being connected to Georgia state programs and services. And the award also served as documentation of the centuries old tradition of African American farm excellence.

The benefits of being named a centennial farm awardee extends far beyond mere recognition. It is a validation of the Williams family enduring commitment to the land and a testament to the buoyancy of their ancestors who managed to preserve an agrarian legacy that has endured for generations.

The Centennial Farm program is more than just a farm recognition, it provides the opportunity to document the rich agricultural history of African American agrarian traditions and contributions to the state of Georgia and the nation. For an African American family to maintain a farm for over a century in the state of Georgia, is not just an individual, personal achievement, it is a demonstration of resilience and the perseverance of an agrarian ancestry that overcame countless challenges and created innovations and opportunities to sustain their farm. Receiving the Georgia Centennial Farm award is a strong reminder of the profound responsibility of those who continue to work in agriculture as well as a recognition of the sacred work of land stewardship.

The Centennial Farm Program offers many opportunities for awardees. With official recognition from the Georgia Department of Agriculture and other state agencies, the recipients have  access to resources and support systems with the potential to sustain and grow their operations for years to come. From agricultural grants to educational programs, being a recipient of the Centennial Farm award provides a pathway to sustainability for their farms and continued generational involvement.

In addition to the tangible benefits, as a recipient of the Georgia Centennial Farm award, families such as the Williams family, are documenting important history. As custodians of Georgia’s agricultural heritage, they are playing a vital role in preserving a unique way of life, sustaining southern foodways, and supporting local rural communities. The Kentavia Williams Farm, like other African American farm recipients of the award, is not just a farm, it is an existing testament to the enduring values of hard work, resilience, and land and community stewardship found within Georgia’s African American communities. Winners of the Georgia Centennial Farm Award, insure that their family’s story will be remembered and cherished for generations to come. It also documents local histories that are often overlooked. It is a daring narrative of family collective legacy and work. Being a recipient of the award is evidence to the enduring spirit of resilience and determination that has defined Georgia’s Black farm families.

To apply for recognition as a centennial farm and assist in documenting the rich cultural agrarian heritage of our state please visit;  https://www.dca.ga.gov/georgia-historic-preservation-division/historic-resources/centennial-farms. 

Sources:

1. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division  Kentavia Williams Farm, Inc., Thomas County | Flickr
2. Reflections Newsletter, “Farming in Southwest Georgia Since 1883: The Kentavia Williams Farm,” Georgia African American Historic Preservation network. Volume XI, No. 4 December 2013.

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About the Author:

Writer: Amber Eady currently works as a Public Relations & Social Media Specialist for a Southwest GA hospital. She’s got almost 10 years in television newsroom experience as a Digital Content Producer. She enjoys cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.  Fun fact, Amber is also a twin!