Common Ground: Growers of Color Talkback

Where do we find common ground? Cultural heritage art forms create and reflect meaning, identity, and community, but we can become overly focused on cultural differences, or else assume that there is a universal artistic language. But what if we can dig into—and challenge—both perspectives? In Common Ground, we bring together traditional artists and cultural practitioners who are rooted in different cultural traditions to demonstrate their work, share with one another, and discuss their similarities and differences.

In this conversation, we will hold a discussion with the featured artists from the Growers of Color video series! Growers of Color addresses the experiences of people at the intersections of agriculture, culture, and community. Through the lens of folklife, we can see how growing food is rooted in local history and contemporary contexts, and how these growers evolve and adapt to meet their communities’ needs and build community with one another.

This conversation will feature:

• Azeem Kareem and Sarah Rose Kareem of Samad Gardens Initiative
• Khmer farmer Vicheth Im
• Robert Peck of Hemp Milk and Honey
• Travis Stewart of Farm with Me LLC

The panel will be moderated by Mike Keo, a Senior Communication Officer at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Previously, he worked at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, served as Storyteller for UConn’s Boys and Men of Color Summit, and was Activist-in-Residence at UConn AAASI. Come with your questions to share!

Get free tickets to reserve your spot!