Community Gardens Support Community and Healing
On the two previous Voices of Reason shows, we talked about why we war and its victims. Today we will talk about one very significant healing strategy--community gardens--with guests Barbara Eaton and Frank Bessinger. Barbara left her garden behind when she moved to Savannah from Providence RI and instigated turning a vacant lot near her home into Metro Star community garden. The garden is not only a source of fresh fruits and vegetables, but also a source of community for neighbors and friends. Over the years, Metro Star has hosted gatherings, including an earth day event that also honored the memory of Albert Strickland, who helped found OccuGardens a few blocks away. Frank Bessinger, a Vietnam War combat veteran, was another founder of OccuGardens. He talked about how gardening helps veterans heal from the trauma of war by bringing life back into the world. One of OccuGardens' missions was to teach neighbors how to grow and start gardens in their yards and reduce dependence on corporate agriculture. OccupGardens also hosted events such as the Really Really Free Market that welcomed neighbors to donate their gently used items and take what they needed. Both gardens have Little Free Libraries constructed by local artisans that welcome book donations and borrowers. Barbara talked about making connections with the Black Farmers Network (https://blackfarmersnetwork.com), a Gullah-Geechee farm near Savannah, and supporting local farmers, many of whom struggle to survive in our corporatized agricultural system.
Next Tuesday, VoR welcomes local author Lisa Barnes, to talk about her book, What Now, How to Survive a Loss Due to Suicide, written to support her healing journey after the loss of her child to suicide.
Life can be hard, traumatic, devastating. During this week of thanksgiving, we at VoR hope you can find healing from the scars of life with kindness, compassion and gratitude for what we have in our lives to be thankful for. We at VoR are thankful that you join our lunch counter of the air; please keep coming back.