A Parish Story from Brentwood-Darlington | Portland
Black Futures Farm, led by the husband and wife team of Malcom Hoover and Mirabai Collins, is focused on healing the connection between Black people and the land in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood of SE Portland. They collaborate for renewal within the Black community and within their neighborhood.
For Malcolm, the farm is his place to experience the move of the Spirit. He understands that the farm is not just his, but belongs to everyone who finds utility in it. On Sunday from May to October, the farm hosts “Black Sundays”–a space for Black people to gather– to dance, share food, and center Black joy.
“The farm is my ministry, my way to gather the people, provide for them, check in with them, have a place for them to touch base with one another and organize.” -
Malcolm Shabazz Hoover
For Malcolm personally, farming has brought deep, sustained healing. He has been working for years to allow other Black people to experience the same sense of sanctuary. Previously, he worked as a parent coach in a therapeutic garden space to help parents heal and reconnect with their children after being separated by Child Protective Services. Allowing families to connect and heal over the land and over growing food created a tangible sense of agency. Now, Malcolm works for Portland Parks and Recreation Community Engagement team.
Malcolm is in his fourth season farming at Black Futures Farm and the farm’s third season. On MLK Day 2020, over 125 people showed up to help clear the plot and lay paths, accomplishing 6-8 months of work in a single day. Their seeds, starts, and tools were all donated, and Malcolm has continued in that spirit of collaboration, donating over 90% of what they produce to local food pantries in the neighborhood and other people in need. He also opens the farm for neighborhood gatherings and as a meeting space for other organizations and events.
The Black Futures Farm website is under construction, so in the meantime, connect with them on Instagram.
