Thursday, November 14

9:00 AM | Arrivals & Check-in

Please plan to arrive at 9:00 AM ET to the Mama Imani Humphrey Banquet Hall for coffee and morning snacks. We will be welcomed into the Detroit Food Commons with a traditional African libation ceremony led by Elder Mama Hanifa Adjuman and local drummers to honor the ancestors and invite positive energy into our gathering. This sacred ritual will help us connect and prepare ourselves for a day of community building, reflection, and actionable strategies.  Please arrive on time. 

9:30 – 9:40 AM | Welcome

9:40 – 10:50 AM | Opening Panel—Closing Racial Wealth Gaps Through the Good Food Economy

The opening panel will feature a courageous conversation exploring transformative approaches to closing the racial wealth gap through community-led initiatives. Speakers will delve into the significance of cooperative models, the importance of centering community-led solutions, and the complexities of engaging non-community stakeholders.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Tour of Detroit Food Commons

12:00 – 1:15 PM | Lunch

1:15 – 2:45 PM | Concurrent Small Group Discussions

Event attendees will join one of three concurrent small group discussions hosted by food systems leaders in Detroit and beyond. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from community, share experiences, and ask questions in a collaborative environment, fostering rich dialogue and pathways for action. Attendees will select the discussion they wish to join at check-in on Thursday, November 14.

Breakout Group 1: Access, Ownership, and Entrepreneurs: Using Integrated Capital Approaches to Support BIPOC Businesses in Building Inclusive Economies

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Breakout Group 2: Built Environment Infrastructure and Ownership Models That Promote Sovereignty and Self-Determination

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Breakout Group 3: Policy and Advocacy Support for Food Justice: Funding Effective Strategies to Advocate for Community Self-Determination

3:00 – 4:00 PM | Closing Panel—Building the Case: The Realities of Funding Systems Change

This session will explore the vital need to transition to non-extractive funding practices and shift power to frontline communities. Funder panelists will discuss how they are in relationship with community and movement leaders, working to overcome institutional hurdles and funding contradictions, and what opportunities they see to spur systems change.

4:00 – 5:00 PM | Reception

To conclude our time together, we will celebrate the day with a reception featuring beverages by Paradise Beverage, light bites, and live local music by the incredible Aisha Ellis Quartet. You won’t want to miss!