Newburgh, NY: On Saturday, June 5, youth from the City of Newburgh will announce the creation of the “Urban Farmers League”, a youth-run organization dedicated to farming and education for the City’s young residents. A press conference will be held at 59 Chambers Street beginning at 10 am with Newburgh city officials, the Orange County Land Trust and other funding organizations and supporters in attendance.
The Newburgh City Council voted to grant the League the use of a vacant city lot located at 59 Chambers Street which the League has named La Vida Garden. This urban community garden is a partnership between the Orange County Land Trust, Orange County Department of Health, Orange County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, Pathstone Community Improvement of Newburgh, Greenway Environmental Services, Arts in Orange and Trust Your Struggle Art Collective. The Urban Farmers League plans to use the lot at 59 Chambers St. as a pilot project, hoping to expand and create gardens in other vacant lots throughout the City of Newburgh.
A statement from Jerome Little and Angelica and Victoria Scialpi, all 17-year old City of Newburgh residents, and other youth board members reads: “As youth in the community, we are tired of the negative stereotypes that are applied to us. The perception of a few does not determine the action of the whole. We are creative individuals who intend on using our voices and opinions to educate and better our neighborhoods. Our youth farm will be a venue for community education.”
The “League” will begin growing organic fruits and vegetables, but it will also conduct workshops and events at La Vida Garden. Throughout the summer, plans include movie nights and open mic nights for other youth and community members to come and express themselves.
According to the youth board members “We are cultivating the future of Newburgh because WE ARE THE FUTURE”.
For more information on the press conference, please contact Kim Bersin at 845.527.7826 or kim.bersin@gmail.com or Decora at 845.800.0849 or readnex@hotmail.com.
