Bridging generations: How area teens are honoring black farming heritage

Celebrating Area Black Growers

Area youth had the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills by participating in this year’s Black History Month Video Series. This project was designed for non-traditional 4-H youth to engage in a 4-H program where they are paired with elders in their own community to discuss their background and involvement on a particular topic.

This year’s video series highlighted black farmers and gardeners in the area. Project leader Mariann Wright worked with the teens to develop and refine the skills needed to lead the interviews. The teens were able to learn about the history of black farming in the Bootheel, hear how individuals are continuing the tradition of growing, and think about the benefits that producing your own foods can have on an individual and a community. These areas were explored in an interview format where the teen participants strengthened their public speaking skills, practiced directing questions, and focused on projecting positive body language on screen.

Farmers & Gardeners who participated in the 2025 interviews are:

Siedah Suttles, a home gardener in Hayti, MO

Talmadge West, a retired farmer from Hayti, MO

Laveta Lockridge, a part-time gardener in Caruthersville

Mary Pollock, a high tunnel grower in Hayti Heights

Nan Macklin, a grower and food preserver in Homestown

Rickie Robinson, a community garden manager at Faith Temple Complex in Hayti

The 4-H interviewers are:

Olivia Taylor, Junior at Hayti

·Kalaiha Jones, Sophomore at Hayti

Kiana Brimite, Senior at Caruthersville

Ahnisti Long, Sophomore at Kennett

Nor’taysia McIntyre, Sophomore at Hayti

Ke’Anthony Taylor, Sophomore at Hayti

Videos were posted throughout the month of February. You may watch these interviews on the Pemiscot County 4-H Facebook page and the Bootheel 4-H YouTube channel.

View and learn more about this project at:

Pemiscot County 4-H on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/4Hpemiscot

Bootheel 4-H on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHNWItzcUoI&list=PLIoaZMHlDdl4CnML1lbVZ3Qfe_GDZf13y&index=33