Diving into Dynamics of the Black Belt
Explore Historical Context and Current Situation of the Black Belt Learn More about Program!Sign Up for More Info!7e and Organpi Farms
Understand present dynamics that affect this region of the United States
Today, Alabama’s rural Black Belt includes some of the poorest counties in the United States. Along with high rates of poverty, the area is typified by declining populations, a primarily agricultural landscape with low-density settlement, high unemployment, poor access to education and medical care, substandard housing and high rates of crime.
The goal of the experience is for students to experience the Black Belt in a transformative way; by visiting museums, engaging in farm tours, eating locally, and connecting with farmers.
7e's Agro-Partner
Dr. Fulford is passionate, aware & ready to tackle systemic issues
Organpi Farms, LLC is 100% owned and Operated by Dr. Portia Fulford, a Selma Native and Agribusiness Woman. Dr. Fulford earned a Ph.D from Clark Atlanta University, and has Master’s Degree in Education. She takes great pride in providing job training to locals, constructing bridges to affordable healthcare, and working directly with governmental and NGO’s to help restore the Rural Black Belt Areas
Organpi Farms B&B, located in Selma’s Old District
7e and Human Security
Agriculture Initiatives
Over the next several years, 7e will work with Dr. Portia Fulford and Organpi Farms to create a sustainable Agribusiness Zone that is diversified, economically thriving, and have a profound impact on the 13 counties of The Black Belt. Students will experience Organpi Farms through different phases of development as it functions as a multi-dimensional education platform through hands on learning, planting and interaction with the farm and agro-toursim model that teaches about biodynamic and sustainable farming.
1. Planting & Harvesting
7e & Organpi programs will plant and harvest crops based on the season and current phases of the biodynamic farm build out. This can include vegetables, greens and other crops that draw agro-tourism such as pumpkins.
2. Research and Education
Dr. Portia envisions Organpi Farms as living classroom. As the build out of the farm continues, we will develop opportunities for graduates, masters and undergrad students to be part of the development and research behind a successful and sustainability biodynamic farming model.
3. Developing the Black Belt Brand
The long-term vision of this partnership is to turn the biodynamic farming model into a sustainable venture that incorporate, educate and mobilize small farmers in the Black Belt Region of Alabama. Through a cooperative farming effort and unified farming practices, students will be part of the process of educating farmers and communities and creating a monetary opportunities.
Get Your Hands Dirty!
Learn about sustainable agriculture and current systems affecting people today in the Black Belt region of the United States.
Visit the Queen City
Stay in the historic city of Selma, Alabama named the Queen City. Learn about the rich history and visit landmarks in the Old Historic District and Downtown.
Journey Through History
Enjoy a day of learning and history in Montgomery where we will visit the Memorials and Museum that tell the Civil Rights story.
Special Highlights
Take a look at some highlights of our programs in Alabama!
Recent Travels and Programs
Stay up to do date with our program blogs for pictures and day to day recaps of our High School and University trips.
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