The Agricademy

Agricademy Background


Bronzeville Agricademy began in March 2020 at the onset of COVID-19. Originally intended as an in-person class hosted at OSU’s AAAS Community Extension Center, it quickly pivoted online in response to the health crisis—broadcasted live from our founder’s back porch.

Over the next three years, Agricademy continued in a virtual format, connecting growers across three continents. In Summer 2023, we launched “Teach The Growers,” a 10-week in-person course focused on agriculture and business management, in partnership with Central State University and NCUS.

Our collaborations have included seasonal gatherings with Highland Youth Garden’s Green Teens in 2022, 2023, and 2024—offering hands-on experiences and meals made from the very plants they grew and harvested.

Today, Bronzeville Agricademy stands as a growing hub of education, empowerment, and land-based healing, with programs rooted in community, sustainability, and food sovereignty.

Course topics & Schedule: 2025

2025 Class

In 2025 Bronzeville Growers Market is collaborating with Central State University and Urban Farmers Coalition for the Fast Track. Beginning Farmer Classes, from May 22 to October 23, 2025. This course is a combination of class and onsite practical activities. Participants can attend 70% of the courses and receive a certification. You are free however to drop in and just attend one or two classes.

Class Dates and Topics;

May 22 - Introduction, Crop Planning, Recordkeeping

June 12 - Seed Starting, Seed Care and Pest Management, Reading Seed packets

June 26 -  Bed Preparation, Walk-Bend Tractor Safety

July 10  - Irrigation Design, Layout, and Installation

July 24 - Transplants - Planting and Plant Care, Trellising

Aug 14 - Harvest and Post-harvest Handling

Aug 28 - IPM and Pest Management

Sept 11 - Marketing, Direct Sale Displays, Pricing

Sept 25 - Soils/fertility and nutrients/cover crops/compost

 Oct 9     - Season Extension and High Tunnel Production

 Oct 23  - Value-Added Production and Cottage Food


Email: Info@bronzevillegrowersmarket.com for registration and participation.



Upcoming Activities sponsored or co-sponsored by Bronzeville Growers Market

Check back here for upcoming activities.

 




2023-2025 classes and presentation


Community Programs + Conference Highlights

Ohio Farmers Market Conference | April 2024

Theme: Rooted in Agriculture: Strong Roots = Strong Markets

African Roots of American Agriculture

Launched February 2024 at the Franklin Park Conservatory, this ongoing series explores the untold stories and deep contributions of African agricultural knowledge to the Americas. It continues through Spring 2025 across various educational settings.

Let’s Cook

As a welcome into the new OSU Healthy Community Center, this six-week program featured local chefs preparing winter-friendly, budget-conscious meals for the NES community. The goal: nourish the body while building connections through food.

Dining in the Diaspora

Held at the OSU Healthy Community Center, this immersive six-week culinary journey brought together the rich food traditions of East, West, and Southern Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and the American South. Each class featured a three-course meal prepared by Chef Julialynne, paired with cultural and historical insights.

Special Engagements + Presentations

  • Franklin Park Conservatory Chili Cook-Off – June 2023 & 2024
  • OEFFA Conference (Feb 2023): #RealSchoolFood – Challenges Working With Schools
  • Global Pan African Movement (Feb 2023): Food Security and Global Africa
  • Walter Rodney Symposium XXI (March 2024): Food Security, Africa, and the American Diaspora
  • Columbus City Schools – Professional Development: Science, Africa, and American Agriculture
  • NES Leadership Academy Keynote (Jan 2025): Nature and Nurture – An Intergenerational Narrative

AARP National Series: Bloom and Zoom

Hosted by Julialynne Walker, this virtual three-part gardening series welcomed a national audience. Topics included beginner gardening tips, setting up infrastructure, and exploring gardening as a healing practice for the body, mind, and spirit.

New Paragraph