From Congo to Colorado: A Journey of Culture, Community, and Homegrown Goodness

In a world where food can often feel disconnected from culture, one immigrant's journey brings her back to her roots—literally. Amina Isende's story is a testament to the power of community gardens and culturally inclusive practices that allow individuals to cultivate not just plants, but also a sense of belonging.

Finding Home in the Garden

When Amina Isende relocated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Denver, Colorado, she faced the daunting task of finding familiar ingredients in a new country. Frequent visits to Asian-owned grocery stores yielded some success, but the costs were prohibitive. It wasn't until she discovered the New Freedom Community Garden, managed by Denver Urban Gardens (DUG), that she found a more sustainable solution.

“I thought, ‘Oh, we can make it on our own,’” Isende expressed. With a newfound gardening plot, she dedicated her efforts exclusively to growing amaranth, a beloved vegetable from her homeland.

The Impact of Culturally Inclusive Seeds

Through DUG’s Culturally Inclusive Seeds program, Isende received the seeds necessary to cultivate her plot. This initiative is designed to provide access to rare and specialty plant varieties that resonate with the cultural backgrounds of community members.

• Community Involvement: The garden serves as a haven for many new immigrants from African and Asian countries, including Rwanda, Kenya, and Somalia.
• Access to Tradition: Isende's four sons are not just getting fresh produce; they are also learning about their heritage through the food they grow.
• Affordable Gardening: The garden significantly reduces the financial burden of purchasing culturally significant ingredients.

The Broader Significance of Food Access

Shay Moon, Senior Manager of Food Access Programs at DUG, emphasizes the importance of making food access more meaningful. “It’s not just about access to food generally; it’s about food that you find exciting and nourishing,” she stated. The Culturally Inclusive Seeds program aims to foster a welcoming environment where community members can create their own spaces and cultivate the foods that resonate with their identities.

Growing Together: A Community's Vision

With around 900 seed packets distributed across 40 different gardens this year, the initiative is helping to create a tapestry of diverse culinary traditions in Denver. “I hope that it indicates these spaces are meant to be blank canvases for community members to create what they want,” Moon added.

Conclusion: A Garden of Hope and Belonging

Amina Isende's journey from the Congo to Colorado illustrates the transformative power of community gardening. It not only provides food but also reconnects individuals with their cultural heritage, fostering a sense of belonging in a new land. As Isende and her children nurture their garden, they are also nurturing their roots, cultivating a future that honors both their past and present.

What do you think?

• How can community gardens be more inclusive for diverse cultural backgrounds?
• Is access to culturally relevant food a fundamental human right?
• What role does urban gardening play in fostering community ties and resilience?
• Should local governments invest more in community gardening initiatives?
• What other ways can immigrants maintain their cultural identity in a new country?