Detroit Black Community Food Security Network

Michigan Nightlight: In your view, what makes your program innovative, effective or remarkable? 
Detroit Black Community Food Security Network Executive Director Malik Yakini: Our program is effective because of the level of experience of its core members, who have spent years working in Detroit community organizations, running programs, and connecting with other community leaders. Effectiveness also comes from the sheer determination and from-the-heart dedication of our members.

Even if you don’t know how you’re getting there, if you persevere, success beyond your wildest dreams can occur.

 
What was the best lesson learned in the past year?
The best lesson I learned was that perseverance will lead to success. Even if you don’t know how you’re getting there, if you persevere, success beyond your wildest dreams can occur.
 
What was the hardest lesson learned in the past year?
The hardest lesson was that grant funding can be a double-edged sword. We were previously funded through our members, and receiving grant money changed the dynamic of the group. For example, when several people have been volunteering, it’s difficult to decide who gets hired and paid.
 
What really differentiates this program?
Our organization grew organically from the community, unlike many urban farms, which are started by young whites coming in to the city from the outside. The scale of our farm differentiates us. At seven acres, it’s the largest in the city of Detroit. Lastly, I would mention our social justice framework; we are very serious about creating a model of self-determination in the

A large part of our work involves addressing systemic racism in the food system.

African American community.
 
What are the keys to success for your program?
Going forward, the key to success will lie in doing more effective outreach to marginalized communities -- we need to broaden and deepen our reach to those who need it the most. Acquiring more funding will also be crucial.
 
How do race or diversity affect the work of your program?         
A large part of our work involves addressing systemic racism in the food system. Whites need to divest themselves of an innate sense of privilege, and blacks need to divest themselves of an internalized sense of oppression. We need to make people more aware of the inequities that exist.