From Garden to Garment: Our AfroEcology Training Program Kicks Off with Color
- Ariel Doty
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 10
On July 27, 2025, Black Sustainability, Inc. we were thrilled to announce the successful launch of our AfroEcology Training Program, which began with a vibrant and hands-on workshop in Tallahassee, Florida.
In collaboration with the incredible team at Genie Botanica and Eco-PARADIGM, we hosted the "AfroEcology Color Lab: Natural Dyes Workshop." This sold-out event brought together a diverse group of participants, curious children as young as four to seasoned senior citizen garden enthusiasts, all of whom shared an infectious energy for learning and creativity. They made the first workshop in our series was a vibrant success!
The workshop was more than just a dyeing session; it was a journey into the rich world of conservation, plants and their profound connections to color, health, and the environment. A mixture of farmers and growing enthusiasts explored the beauty and benefits of plant-based dyes as a pathway to specialty crops. The stunning natural pigments found in everyday plants like beets, elderberry, hibiscus, and butterfly pea were uncovered. Participants learned how to extract these colors, essentially turning simple ingredients into a beautiful palette of natural dyes.
Beyond the aesthetics, a key part of the workshop was diving into the dual medicinal properties of these powerful plants. We discussed:
Beets are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in nitrates that can help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance.
Elderberry is a well-known immune booster, traditionally used to combat colds and flu.
Hibiscus is not only a source of a beautiful red hue but also a heart-healthy botanical linked to lowering blood pressure.
Butterfly Pea offers a captivating blue pigment and is celebrated for its antioxidant properties, which can support brain health and skin vitality.
In line with our mission to promote sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, we also highlighted the critical role of NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) practices. We discussed how farmers and gardeners can use these methods to cultivate these types of plants in a way that conserves soil health, water resources, and supports local ecosystems. This included regenerative agricultural practices like cover cropping, pollinator habitat creation, and managing plant health without harmful pesticides.
In this present political climate it is worth noting, that although USDA NRCS programs were shared so farmers had references to support implementing practices on their land, the USDA announced in July 2025 that it would stop prioritizing race and sex-based criteria in its programs. Thus, ending key support previously aimed at minority farmers and reversing efforts to address historical discrimination. This shift followed the cessation of funding for several Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)-focused awards in June 2025 and cuts to regional food business centers supporting minority farmers. Since this decision ends a period of programs designed to help farmers of color, it is up to practitioners like Charles Greenlea of Eco-PARADIGM to continue sharing knowledge through our network.
The turnout reached full-capacity and we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our participants. They have made it clear that there is a deep and widespread interest in reconnecting with the land and the wisdom it holds. Our initial workshop was a fantastic start to our series which will continue through the end of October 2025, and we are excited to continue this journey of learning and growth with our community.
Stay tuned for more workshops and programs from Black Sustainability, Inc.'s AfroEcology Training Program!
#AfroEcology #NaturalDyes #CommunityLearning #Tallahassee #GenieBotanica #Eco-Paradigm #BlackSustainabilityInc
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