Freedom News: Sankofa 2025 Looking Forward Into 2026

February 10, 2026

“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”
-Marcus Garvey

This past year of 2025 has been full of a myriad of sorrow, excitement, hope and reflection for the BFG Community! Although we struggled with the loss of Mama Gail V. Wells, our founder and visionary, we pushed on full speed ahead into her vision that she laid out before us! Within a year before her transition, Mama Gail established the organization’s founding documents, the Board and her vision for her interweaving of love for community, trees, and the environment!

We thank everyone who assisted to make Buffalo Freedom Gardens what it is today, the many volunteers, freedom gardeners, organizations and allies from 2020-2025-THANK YOU!

On December 18th, 2025, we had our first Ubuntu Celebration and Fundraiser, to thank everyone who has planted the roots of Buffalo Freedom Gardens and to celebrate our milestones towards the future! To all those who attended, donated, volunteered and blessed it-THANK YOU!

SEE THE VIDEO OF OUR 2025 UBUNTU CELEBRATION HERE!

Welcome to our Friends, New and Old!

The Buffalo Freedom Gardens Community

Since BFG’s inception in 2020, countless individuals, organizations, universities, and community groups have played a vital role in our journey, and we truly would not be where we are today without their invaluable support! Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to: UB Food Lab, Food for the Spirit, Ras Jomo, Dr. Samina Raja, Rita Hubbard, Ms. Della Miller, Buffalo Go Green, Grassroots Gardens of WNY, Cornell Cooperative, Eme Nieves, Buffalo Food Equity Network, The Challenger News, The Buffalo Bills Foundation, and so many others!

Over time, we wilL highlight our partners, allies, gardeners and volunteers in our “Freedom Family Spotlight.”

If your name isn’t mentioned here, please don’t take it personally—we want to celebrate everyone! Kindly email us about people, organizations, businesses, etc. that has made an impact on BFG, and we will share their story in our Freedom Family Spotlight! (We also want to acknowledge that, following Ms. Gail’s passing, some past planning records have been lost, and we are diligently working to recover them.)

Introducing Our Board Members
In May of 2024, Mama Gail convened her “official” Board Meeting comprising individuals whom she personally invited to lend their support to the forthcoming stages of her endeavor and vision. These individuals have embraced this undertaking with a profound sense of humility and respect for the significant work that lies ahead. Hear from our board members why they chose the Buffalo Freedom Gardens community.

“When I assisted Mama Gail as one of her gardeners in the 2020 garden kit distribution, it was a truly fufilling! I wanted to do more and stay in the work of food security and holistic health. Mama Gail gave me an opportunity to do just that through the mission of Buffalo Freedom Gardens.“

– Deidra EmEl, BFG President

“I am committed to Buffalo Freedom Gardens because it carries forward my mother’s vision, values, and belief in the power of community to heal and thrive. Honoring her legacy means continuing the work she started.“

– Maisha Ramsey, BFG Vice President

“My deep respect for the land & passion for growing food is what led me to work with Buffalo Freedom Gardens. I believe access to fresh high-quality food is essential to good health and thriving communities.“

– Ms. Della, BFG Treasurer

“Raised by Gail V. Wells, I learned the importance of food sovereignty through our backyard garden, which gave us control over how food was grown and shared. Continuing her work with Buffalo Freedom Gardens, I aim to support social justice by ensuring access to healthy, affordable food for all.“

– Jamal A. Horne, BFG Board Member

“I came to Freedom Gardens because of my friendship with Ms. Gail. Our alignment and concern for our community and their lack of access to healthy food options, the concern for the environment and the knowledge that people knowing how to grow their own food is powerful!“

– Allison DeHonney, BFG Board Member

Freedom Family Spotlight!

Mama Gail V. Wells, Founder and Visionary

Gail V. Wells was an Erie County Master Gardener, marketing consultant, event planner, diversity trainer, wellness educator, and social justice advocate. She has received two degrees in Urban Planning—one as an undergraduate and another as a graduate student at the University at Buffalo.

In 2020, Gail V. Wells founded Buffalo Freedom Gardens as a rapid response to the COVID19 pandemic, ensuring BIPOC community members affected by the pandemic had access to growing healthy food at home.

Her legacy lives on in the fruit of her gardens and in the lives of those she inspired to continue the fight for equity, access, sustainability, and liberation.

Click here and go to our Blog:

READ Ms. GAIL’S WORDS ON BEING A “FREEDOM GARDENER “Nature Girl”

” If you listen to the people and use your education, you can make change happen. You can be a community asset.”

Each month, we will highlight the outstanding efforts of a dedicated volunteer, an inspiring participant, a committed partner, or an invaluable ally who has created a huge impact on us. Through their selfless actions and unwavering support, these individuals not only contribute to our mission but also inspire others to join in our collective journey!