Centering Justice in Food System Transformation: Honoring the Legacy of Professor Evan Weissman

Professor and local food justice activist Evan Weissman was selected as the 2020 Lender Center Fellowship for Social Justice shortly before his untimely passing in April 2020. Prof. Weissman, a food studies scholar committed to community-engaged research and social change, envisioned using his Lender fellowship to co-construct a local food policy council rooted in justice and equity. To honor his legacy, Prof. Jonnell Robinson, six student fellows, the Syracuse Onondaga Food System Alliance (SOFSA), and community members have spent two years collectively engaging in reflective dialogue, research and action around promoting greater control over the local food system by people marginalized by the current global corporate food regime.

Please join Lender Center Fellows and local food justice changemakers for a conversation about emergent issues within our local food system and opportunities to advance social justice and food sovereignty. Panelists and fellows will discuss ongoing efforts to create ownership and self-determination in the local food system through building community farms, preserving food traditions and expanding access to nourishing, sustainable, and culturally appropriate foods.

A reception will conclude the symposium.

Panelists: Twiggy Billue, Southwest Community Learning Farm Olivia Elm, Onondaga Nation Youth Angie Ferguson, Onondaga Nation Farm Tai Shaw, Blessing Box Food Pantry Rachel Viens, Syracuse City Schools Food Services.

If you plan to attend the event in person, please register here.

If you plan to attend the event virtually, please register here.

This event is sponsored by the Lender Center for Social Justice.