NemasGardens Community Engagement Night: An Evening Rooted in Community

On October 21st, we welcomed our Grow(n) Folks to the very first NemasGardens community event. Held at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School—it was a celebration of connection, curiosity, and the power of growing together. Guests began arriving as early as 5:40 PM, and by the end of the evening, around 30 attendees had gathered to share in the experience.

Everyone who came received a free NemasGardens bracelet and automatic entry into our raffle for a dozen fresh eggs from our beloved chickens. Many joined the $3 raffle for a chance to win one of two gardening tool kit baskets or a self-watering pot. Those who registered online ahead of time also received a free herb starter kit to take home and plant with pride.

Kevette led a heartfelt interview with Kevin, who shared his journey from humble beginnings to leaving a six-figure job in pursuit of a more grounded life as an urban farmer. His story resonated deeply with the crowd, especially as he spoke about the mission behind NemasGardens and his guiding motto: “Whoever controls your food source, controls you.”

Kevin’s warmth and authenticity shone through as he answered questions from attendees about their own gardens during our crowd Q&A. He offered practical advice and encouragement to grow more and pay closer attention to the food we eat. He also gifted Garden Starter Kits to two young girls in the audience, emphasizing the importance of sparking joy and curiosity in the next generation of growers.

We also set up a take-home table with printed instructions for making chili and salsa verde at home, complete with baskets of ingredients so guests could bring the flavor and inspiration with them.

To all our Grow(n) Folks, thank you for making our inaugural event unforgettable. Your presence planted something special, and we look forward to growing with you in the seasons ahead.