Our time with the Willie North Institute was one of the most meaningful things I think I’ve done in a long time. It was an honor to be there and experience the space, especially to be able to contribute to the event as well. I would love to help out again in the future.
When we arrived we could immediately tell the space was special. I would never have expected to put a soccer field and garden together under a train line, but it had a beautiful synergy to it. Its existence was the introduction of an idea that all these things could coexist. It proved that you didn’t need to go somewhere far out to find this kind of place, but that you could make it in the space already around you. The field was right in the heart of everything, next to the marta station, fully accessible, and it made me think about how much we could build within our cities for our communities and their children in the future.
It was a beautiful day and it was clear how much the kids appreciated both the event and the space. They took ownership of it. They were all excited to make pots, do leaf rubbings, and help out in the garden. They were so young and yet you could see how each of their personalities shaped the kind of work and activities they wanted to participate in. Two kids were particularly passionate about planting herbs because their mother also had a garden, some were very dedicated to decorating their newspaper pots, and some couldn’t wait to put water in them to “wake up” the seeds. At first they might’ve been a bit hesitant towards us and the activity, but after a little I could see them relax and focus in on their task. It showed me how much this experience was a form of education that deepened their connection to community and nature.
As a college student I don’t often get to interact with kids that age, but it was really grounding. I had to figure out how I could best help them in their activities while still making them feel like they were in control and contributing. It was important to me that they felt valued, because everyone was there for them. At one point one of the kids drew me on her pot, I didn’t recognize myself at first (I originally thought I was a bug) but I was green and smaller than a flower with bright red hair, it was really cute. It was also nice to interact with the parents. I got to show a few moms how to make the pots as well, and it was nice to see them having a good time knowing that their kids were safe and engaged.
After we got some pots made, I was able to help a bit in the garden. I’ve been playing Stardew Valley quite a bit during these last few weeks of class (it’s very helpful for destressing!), and this real life version was even better. We got on our knees and started digging into the dirt barehanded. At one point I unearthed a worm, though this might be silly, I hadn’t thought about how this was real dirt, with real bugs… And to my own surprise, it didn’t bother me in the slightest. I just appreciated that they were there and tried not to hurt them, and I think that’s the first time I’ve had such a calm reaction to insects. Somehow their presence made the earth feel warmer. More alive. I planted with my friends and the kids, and eventually I was even able to get one of the moms to get in there too. It all made me think about how healing the experience was. It helped that the two main gardeners there were incredibly supportive, one commented on how forgiving plants were, and how even if you wanted to kill them they wouldn’t die.
I really loved what we got to do as a class. I loved meeting everyone and feeling inspired by the kinds of organizing and work that is happening in Atlanta every day. The event also reminded me of how much we’re still learning, and not from books or in classrooms, but from communities and each other. I think about the work of the adults and what it takes to organize and keep a space like that running, and I hope to be like them. As we left, I wish we’d gotten to say goodbye to everyone, and I wonder what’s happening to their pots and plants now.