Carolina Farm Trust family,

In light of the recent acts of horrific violence against the Black community, including the murders
of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, we stand in solidarity with those around
the country who are speaking out and protesting against racial injustice. We also recognize that
the most recent tragedies only add to a centuries-long list of brutal and violent acts against
Black communities. We strongly condemn racism, institutionalized violence, and structural
oppression of people of color, and we are committed to playing our part in dismantling the
systems that continue to uphold racial inequities in this country.

Carolina Farm Trust was founded with the knowledge that structural racism and institutionalized
violence against Black people were born out of agricultural systems. We also know that food
systems perpetuate racial inequities that appear in our communities as health disparities.
Today, food systems represent an opportunity to effect change for Black communities.

We believe that all people have a right to healthy, sufficient, culturally appropriate food. We also
believe that food systems must provide equitable opportunities. We are actively working on
strengthening food access by expanding the Charlotte region’s network of urban farms to
connect communities to sources of nutritious, affordable foods. Additionally, we are committed
to and working on creating sustainable professional opportunities in agricultural and supporting
sectors through intentional hiring practices.

As this country confronts the realities of racism and structural oppression, we encourage the
Carolina Farm Trust family to seek ways to support change- whether by speaking out, marching
with Black community organizers, supporting local, Black-owned businesses, or seeking
education on the long history of racism in the United States. To advance racial equity, please
consider supporting organizations such as Heal Charlotte, the Charlotte Uprising Bail Fund, For
the Struggle, Inc., or the George Floyd Memorial Fund.

Together, we can withstand these dark and challenging times. Together, we can work toward
solutions. Together, we can build equity in our communities.
In solidarity,

R. Zack M. Wyatt
Founder/Executive Director