By Jasmine Banks, Rooted Board Member
When I think about Black History, my thoughts go back to the way of life before me. The lives of the Black community and how they used to gather, why they used to gather, and where they used to gather. The consistent joy that was found there to drown out the struggle, and the fight for freedom. The fight for fairness.
In today’s time, the place that reminds me of a safe place to gather, for all folks but especially Black, Indigenous and People of Color, is Badger Rock. It’s truly hard to describe, especially for those who feel safe and welcomed and in the majority everywhere they go, but I’m going to do the best I can to describe how Badger Rock, The Gathering Place, makes me feel.
My connection to this beautiful place started around nine years ago as a small business owner. I was invited to sell my wares during their Sunday Markets. I was able to sit back and watch as people enjoyed the music, the home-cooked meals, the community and conversation. People would stop by after church dressed in their Sunday best. Families with their children could join the kid-friendly activities created just for them by a community Auntie. Or run around and simply be. The laughter was infectious, and you could do nothing but smile. The Black Joy was palpable in The Gathering Space.
Because of the love that I was feeling at the Sunday Markets, when I was invited to be one of the first community gardeners, I couldn’t refuse, because the feeling that I felt on Sundays was something that I wanted to continue to feel. The feeling of safety, love and understanding.
It was in the Badger Rock garden that I saw the elders in the community doing what our ancestors had done for generations and lifetimes before us, feed their families with their own hands by growing their own food.
The garden was a place that I felt held and also found peace.
There are so many reasons and so many intersections that I continue to stay connected to Badger Rock. Whether as an entrepreneur or community gardener. Whether to attend an event in support of friends or Badger Rock itself, or as a board member.
My connection to this place is because of the love that is found there. It’s because of the staff that makes it so incredibly welcoming. I feel held here and seen here. For me, it has become The Gathering Place, just like the ones where my ancestors found community, love and peace.
