created in the wake of a murder that shook the rural farming community, anathoth community garden & farm seeks to heal the strained relationships between neighbors and provide good food to low-income residents.
warren wilson college
on a warm summer night at the corner of mill creek and carr store rd in cedar grove, nc, the senseless murder of a storekeeper rocked the small agricultural community. the murderer has never been found, but the community came together and served its own justice.
the night after the murder, a vigil was held at the site. scenobia taylor, an african-american elder, received a vision from god which inspired her to donate 5 acres of her land so that the community may heal. she gave it to the cedar grove united methodist church, of which a majority of its congregants are white — a move that angered some but laid the groundwork for a place of reconciliation.
at the same time, pastor grace hackney of cgumc was attempting to address food insecurity in the community. when mrs. taylor approached her with the offer of land, she recognized that this was an opportunity to create a place that could provide both food and friendship.
mandela washington fellow | notre dame university
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