James Beard Humanitarian Award Speech 2023

James Beard Humanitarian Award Speech 2023

Karen Washington

I would like to thank the JBF for this award. Winning the JB leadership award in 2014 was an honor, 9 years later the humanitarian award especially with Olive, I am beyond words. Our journey started as a dream as we sort to right a wrong. The Black Farmer in America is slowly disappearing, with increase debt, limited resources, and land loss, we decided to do something about it. The plight of the Black Farmer should affect all Americans. As we see our stories and history slowly being silenced in schools and libraries. The fabric of America is based on our history no matter how bad or difficult it might seem. So then, what is it about us that people fear, what is it about being black in America still makes some folks fearful? To those I say we are only human, so when you see me, love me, respect me, embrace me and see only me.

I will treasure this award to remind myself the gift of being human. To give of oneself to help others. Thank you.