It is a way of tapping back into the source of all creative energy that exists eternally, without condition. Beyond the limited labels we like to use, the work of change introduced from within the garden has, in fact, awesome spiritual significance. Whether it is an individual or community in crisis a neighborhood plagued by broken moments of history, neglect and oppression or a city attempting to overcome the adverse effects of colonization, a plantation economy, industrialization, discrimination, or environmental degradation, the drive toward transformational insight starts from the single revolutionary act of sacred reconnection with the earth. And while you may see increased evidence of gardening activity, far more than nutritious leafy greens are being produced…. Nevertheless, intergenerational bands of earth warriors, urban farmers, people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and cultures are busy at work. At first glance, you may never hear or notice them at work as you drive through the neighborhood. The seeds of change are being quietly sewn and have already sprouted wondrous roots. Critical numbers of people within urban neighborhoods are demonstrating a powerfully creative approach to issues that adversely impact the quality of their lives. Should you venture to listen beyond the bitter conflicts inside Washington and the deafening rhetoric within city councils and mayoralties beyond even the overwhelming negativity, fragmentation, and divisive national conversations, you will find quite a different scenario unfolding. Perhaps, however, the real challenge involves making a shift in the way we think about change. The crises are so interrelated and polarizing that it is difficult to know where to begin to affect meaningful change. Our nation continues to heave under the weight of complicated, layered crises - wars a failing economy economic, political and racial divides collapsing infrastructure and urban decay environmental devastation soil and air pollution and challenges that affect the source, quality, and supply of our food and the health of our people.
Seeds For Change Growing Faith, Food and The Future
Victoria pratt full#
An excerpt of Seeds For Change is below and the full piece can be read here. This month, we invite you to read Victoria’s words on the importance of the work of Sweet Water Foundation. Victoria recently completed a revision of her 2014 writing, Seeds For Change. One of the many contributions to Sweet Water Foundation that she has made is sharing her gifts as a writer. She serves as a vital source of inspiration, wisdom, and counsel for Sweet Water Foundation as a key member of its Board of Elders. She currently enjoys life in Virginia with her husband, King, and her dog, Cheerio. Known by the Sweet Water community as ‘Mama Victoria,’ Victoria is the mother of Co-founder and Executive Director, Emmanuel Pratt. While there, she received a grant from the Kellogg Foundation to create The Institute of Transformative Theology, an inter-agency collaborative which addressed issues of African American Spirituality and Health, Environmental, Social, and Racial Injustice. She has taught Arts Across the Curriculum in California and Virginia, always using the arts, theater, and dance as vehicles for community participation and outreach.Īfter graduate study in sociology, anthropology, and divinity, Victoria served as professor of French and Spanish at Virginia Union University and professor of Practical Theology at The School of Theology, Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in South America, she worked with local artisans to create art co-operatives and with indigenous women to develop health initiatives. Victoria has life-long experience in Arts Education and community engagement.
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