Growing back to the beginning with Rumbi Masawi

In 2022, CERTs awarded the St. Mark Giving Garden in Duluth a $5,000 seed grant to help supply the garden with charcoal coolers in lieu of electrified refrigeration devices. The coolers help build on the garden’s success in sustaining produce grown, gathered, and shared by the community. 

In a recent article, RSDP highlighted the St. Mark Giving Garden, the Hillside Neighborhood in Duluth where the garden lives, and the Lead Gardener, Rumbi Masawi.

"The free, public garden is open to everyone and anyone looking to learn more about planting, connecting with the local community or simply enjoying a healthy snack. Garden leadership says they aim to improve health and well-being in the neighborhood by targeting disparities created by generations of systemic racism. This means creating space for community members, especially those with African heritage, and providing opportunities for healthy food, connection, economic growth, and healing. 

Two local organizations — St. Mark AME Church and Health Equity Northland — are at the core of the collaboration. Also providing support through funding and expertise are the University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and the Clean Energy Resource Teams."

-Growing back to the beginning with Rumbi Masawi