Why is the urban farm plan important to you?

It to me is like a dream. We don’t have enough green spaces or places where we can grow our own food. This is a big investment in health outcomes. But also in sovereignty and in creating a movement that says, “we matter” and that there’s respect for us as human beings — that the city and politicians are willing to invest just as much money here as they invest everywhere else in this city.

What are some of the challenges of living in the neighborhood?

Some of the challenges stem from what I see is a lack of investment in the livelihoods of all the residents. It is evident in the way that things are not being developed in a way that supports us. Housing is lacking as well as how we’re being treated with our concerns for the environment.

We are still trying to respond in a good way to the uprising and respond by trying to rebuild, but also doing everything that we can to move forward. We have to have a sustainable and equitable plan that is considering all the outcomes for every resident. Not just economic, but the health outcomes, the overall well-being of our generations.

What other aspects of the indoor urban farm excite you?

I’m excited because a lot of the leadership that’s coming from the neighbors themselves will be amplified. To have a quieter place, to have a beautiful site and hopefully bring in more youth to work with us, that is the most exciting part of the work.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.