Cassandra Holmes, a dedicated advocate for fresh, local food in the Little Earth of United Tribes community, is spearheading a transformative project to rehabilitate a former Superfund site. Partnering with the city, Cassandra's initiative aims to engage young residents and establish an urban farm that will bring sustainable, nutritious produce to the community.
The Roof Depot site, once a Superfund site, has captured the attention of Cassandra Holmes and her team. Motivated by personal tragedies within the community, including the loss of a close friend's daughter and a fatal accident involving a young boy, Cassandra realized the urgent need for change. Determined to prevent further harm, Cassandra resolved to challenge the city's plans for the site.
Initially, the city acquired the Roof Depot site without informing the Little Earth residents. Recognizing the lack of community involvement, Cassandra's aunt Jolene, the interim director of the Little Earth Residents Association at the time, demanded that the city hold a meeting at Little Earth to address the issue.
Subsequently, a Guidelines Advisory Committee was established, featuring representatives from various communities. However, it soon became apparent that the city had already predetermined its agenda, merely seeking to showcase community input through superficial exercises. Frustrated with this approach, Cassandra and other community members, including former state representative Karen Clark, walked out of the meetings, leading to the birth of the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute.
With the aim of creating a positive change in the neighborhood, the Little Earth Urban Farm project began to take shape. In 2017, Karen Clark secured funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), with a portion allocated to Little Earth. Recognizing the connection between their fight against pollution and the youth's desire for nice clothes, the community decided to employ local children during the summer to work on the farm. The initiative not only provided employment and financial literacy lessons but also fostered a deeper connection with nature and healthy food.
Now, Cassandra's vision extends beyond the urban farm. The community aims to develop the former Superfund site into a multifunctional space that includes housing, community hubs, commercial kitchens, craft markets, and even a coffee shop and a bike shop. This ambitious plan seeks to create generational wealth, empower residents, and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all.
The impact of this development on future generations is immeasurable. Cassandra hopes that the community will recognize the power of their voices and continue to thrive. She envisions a future where East Phillips and Little Earth will be known for their successes, achievements, and community-driven initiatives. Through the transformative power of urban farming and community ownership, Cassandra believes that the neighborhood's narrative will shift towards resilience, empowerment, and a brighter future.
As the project progresses, Cassandra's vision becomes a reality. By championing sustainability, community engagement, and the power of food, this Indigenous-led team is cultivating change and creating a positive impact that will resonate for generations to come.
