Shirley Sherrod, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Thérèse Nelson and Me
Federal Confirmation Hearing. Photo: Kevin Lamarque/AFP/Getty Images
The historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson should be cause for great celebration. However, in the same breath, I am reminded of how far we have to go in the battle for racial equality and representation. Perhaps more importantly, how can we thrive within these complex institutions, and what effect will appointing this brilliant Black woman to the highest court in our country have on food policy?
Judge Jackson’s nomination makes me think of Shirley Sherrod, former Georgia State Director of Rural Development for the USDA. Mrs. Sherrod is another example of an exemplary woman to break ground and blaze trails as a first in her position. While her background as a farmer, activist, and dedicated public servant made her uniquely qualified to affect change, she was forced to resign over a falsified video supposedly showing her discriminating against a white farmer. Since then she was vindicated, offered an apology, her job back, and almost a decade later she was recently appointed to USDA Equity Commission.
When I look at her background in community development, her commitment to Black farmers is palpable. She decided to stay in the rural South and work toward change after overcoming what would have crushed many. It’s worth noting because “success” often looks differently; we tend to move away from disenfranchised communities and start anew in metropolitan cities. While there is nothing inherently wrong with moving to a new region, Shirley Sherrod is central in any conversation surrounding food or land sovereignty, she shows us all the type of impact that is possible when we make the bold choice to stay.
Although firsts in completely different fields, each and every achievement for one acts as a building block for which the next person or generation can stand upon. Furthermore, if confirmed, Judge Jackson will hear cases that have the ability to reshape the landscape of our food system. As I forge ahead on my own career path blending food policy and education, women like Shirley Sherrod and Judge Jackson inform and inspire. It must be stated that a lack of representation in the legal, healthcare, or food system does not equate to a lack of qualified and competent black professionals, perhaps just a lack of opportunity which these two women show us is an ever-evolving truth.
Thérèse Nelson started Black Culinary History in 2008 to preserve and pay homage to our collective Black culinary heritage and to directly challenge the pervasive and misguided narratives that exclude media coverage of Black chefs. I’m thankful for her facilitating my birth into the world of food writing. It’s one that often seemed abstract and ethereal in nature. While I still vacillate between pursuing a career as a chef or transitioning into academia or even law, I know my passion has a place and will guide me in the vast, interdisciplinary world of food access and sustainability.
Up until now, I have been on the periphery and now she has given me a seat at the table where we feast on cuisines old and new, ideas, and most importantly a shared commitment to cultivating our expansive communities. Through our collaboration, I aspire to further her vision and discover my story along the way.
I invite you all to come along on this journey with me! You can expect weekly posts featuring an array of content centered on Black joy. A little bit of everything, some historical pieces, content highlighting rising Chefs, monthly book reviews, and lots of food!