Campaign supporting Black Farmer's Market surpasses fundraising goal

A Durham-based online social media platform launched a campaign to support Black farmers across the Triangle.

Posted 2:38 a.m. Jul 11, 2020 — Updated 4:02 a.m. Jul 11, 2020

Lora Lavigne

, WRAL Durham reporter

DURHAM, N.C. — A Durham-based online social media platform launched a campaign to support Black farmers across the Triangle.

With overwhelming support, it raised over $8,000 within days.

The entrepreneurial spirit of Durham’s agriculture is planted deep within the Black Farmer’s Market location, in the parking lot of the former NC Mutual Insurance Legacy Towers.

“I grew up with farmers and farmers of farmers. My dad’s still farming in Kenya," said Moses Ochola, the co-founder of the Black Farmer’s Market.

The passion behind creating this hub for Ochola began at an early age with his parents and their restaurant, The Palace International, and community events such as Black August in the Park.

“It brought a whole bunch of different cultures and people together throughout the community and I grow from that and learned from that and now I’m emulating that," he said.

Though not a farmer like most in his family, Ochola created a platform in 2018 to help others succeed.

“A dime a dozen is a black farmer," Ochola said. "I think that they’re proud people. They’re proud to work for their keep."

They are proud to bring more accessible fresh produce to undeserved communities, too.

“People are searching for how can I help. How can I be better. How can I start doing ant-racism work," said Sheila Amir, Founder and CEO of The Bulls of Durham.

This is what she said inspired her to launch a campaign on Juneteenth, supporting their work.

“We didn’t think $8,600 in 19 days. We scheduled eight weeks. We scheduled eight weeks,” Amir said.

“It’s beautiful. I’m honestly taken back by all the love," said Ochola.

The “Growing Together” fundraiser has sparked the long lines at each market and an ever deeper conversation.

“Things have been put in place that have taken away opportunities for Black people and people of color, said Crystal Taylor, co-founder of The Black Farmer's Market. "So now it’s a time to share that wealth and opportunity."

“As we struggle for equality and equity, it’s important to continue to vision how the community’s going to look like after we finish that fight," Ochola said.

The funds raised will help pay for new market signs, a website to place orders and an emergency fund for farmers in need.

The next Black Farmer’s Market is this Sunday from 1-4 p.m in Durham.

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