Guilford County has put a tremendous amount of effort in over the last year in an attempt to conduct more business with minority companies – and now the county is continuing to show support for minority vendors by hosting a Triad Black Farmer’s Market.
Minority Farmer’s Markets have been catching on across the state in recent years and now Guilford County is entering the fray.
While the prevalence of Minority Farmers Markets has been growing in North Carolina in recent years, there’s an interesting question as to whether the markets are legal in light of the landmark decision in June of the US Supreme Court. That case, which involved admissions practices at UNC-Chapel Hill and Harvard, turned the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment on its head. In that 6-to-3 decision, the court determined that the “core purpose” of the amendment was “doing away with all governmentally imposed discrimination based on race.” The case essentially put an end to race-based admissions policies “however well-intentioned and implemented in good faith.” Future court cases may determine whether local government practices such as holding farmers markets specifically for minorities also violates the new legal precedent.
Regardless, this move continues the county’s strong effort to support minority enterprises. In the past year the county wrapped up $300,000 for a study on how to be more inclusive in its purchasing practices, hired a new Guilford County Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Department director, nearly tripled the size of that department in one fell swoop, and spent a lot of money on new tracking software that breaks down the women and minority components of the county’s purchases of goods and services.
Continuing in that vein, on Sunday, Oct. 15 Guilford County government is hosting a Triad Black Farmer’s Market from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Guilford County MWBE Department, the NC Cooperative Extension-Guilford County Center, East Greensboro Now, and the African American Faith-Based Leaders of Guilford County are coordinating the inaugural event.
It will take place at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA at 2630 E. Florida St. in Greensboro and feature African American and other minority farmers from across North Carolina selling fresh produce and meat.
The event will also feature live music from North Carolina musicians and food from local food trucks.
Guilford County MWBE Director Shaunne Thomas said this will be a fun way for people to get out and support minority farmers and vendors from around the state.
“We are excited to showcase our state’s Black and minority-owned farmers in the inaugural Black Farmer’s Market Event,” she said. “This event supports our local economy and brings North Carolina growers, artists, and business owners here to Guilford County for great food, fun, and festivities for everyone to enjoy while also supporting minority-owned businesses and creatives.”
More racial discrimination from Guilford County. Surprise surprise.
The vegetables won’t recognize color, only the humans that choose to will. At on time America was a melting pot of cultures, now we work overtime to prove we’re different.
Tomato’ or Tomato?
Jeez
MWBE is nothing more than tax payer funded discrimination, in Any color blind society there should be no room for such things. Under the smoke screen of equity and inclusion there are people at top deciding who’s to be included, I believe that’s call discrimination. It is certainly not Equity. City contracts are black and white, paper and pen. Who will do the job with the best price in a reasonable amount time. I am trying to imagine the outcry if Colfax had a white farmers market.
Stop bowing to what is actually the most racist declaration of all. Typical Communist portrayal that most politically correct dumbasses fall for. Don’t put up with this BS until they rename the Colfax Farmers Market as the Triad White Farmers Market. Wake Up People!!!!
Is there a reason black farmers can’t sell their wares at either of the 2 farmers markets Greensboro already has. Really sad. Why don’t we just segregate Guilford County go back to the 50s and 60s and leave well enough alone
Hey Rebel, Guilford County never left the 50s or 60s.
They keep separating us into groups.What’s wrong with just saying Farmers Market Event? The last time I looked at green beans they were green. Apples come in green,yellow and red. Bananas are yellow. But society still puts the “black” title on things. I thought the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market at Sandy Ridge included all farmers. We grow and eat same vegetables and fruit. Stop putting a wedge between the races.
“Divide and conquer”. Part of the Democrat Playbook.
I’m not sure if it’s common knowledge of how black farmers are shut out of programs and subsidies that other farmers aren’t. Initially I had the same impression, but then I had to consider that there truly are differences in their treatment.
But they are not shut out of the current farmers market they are free to offer their goods for sale just like anyone else
Just change the name of the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market to the WHITE Piedmont Triad Farmers Market and let’s see how long it takes for the howling to start. Skip will be dancing on his head.
Will there be separate entrances, bathroom facilities, water fountains or “right to refuse service to anyone” signs on vendor tables should people of any other color or nationality choose to shop there?
But they are not shut out of the current farmers market they are free to offer their goods for sale just like anyone else
Good point. Maybe we should start that all over again. Maybe crime rates will drop
LaShanda, please provide verified, recent examples of how Black farmers are shut out. Are you looking for excuses to give priority to Black farmers?
Someone please explain to me why have a farmers market when the growing season for most goods is over? That makes as much sense as to idea itself. Another feel good and fuzzy feeling movement from the feel good and fuzzy county rulers.