Urban Farming Omaha: How local artist is using food to bridge racial gaps

Gabriel-Woods said urban farming cuts out fossil fuel usage by reducing transportation needs and puts carbon back into the ground instead of the air.

By Hannah Michelle Bussa
The Gateway
Apr 9, 2021

Excerpt:

Decker Gabriel-Woods is a filmmaker and rapper in Omaha, also known as Dex Arbor. This year, he is a Big Muddy Urban Farm’s Aspiring Farmer Resident, a one-year program to learn how to operate a farm business.

During the pandemic, Gabriel-Woods became interested in the idea of a local food supply chain. He was inspired by the gardening Masterclass by Ron Finley, the “Gangsta Gardener” and his family members growing their own food.

“I always thought agriculture was interesting and very important, but it wasn’t until 2020 that I actually saw it as something I could be a part of,” he said.

Gabriel-Woods said the landscape of America waking up to racial injustice last summer also pushed him towards agriculture.

“I quickly began to realize that I had needed to do something more than just protesting in the streets,” he said. “I needed to do something that got to the root of the vast difference in quality of life based on geography and race. Healthy food can empower people to make decisions that will improve their life. Having access to fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables has a huge impact on mental health and resilience to diseases.”

He said the impact of toxic processed foods being what’s most readily available in urban areas with a larger population of people of color is a problem. Urban farming can help make an alternative option accessible, but there also needs to be a shift in the culture.

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