(See BELOW FOR INFORMATION!)

Join Buffalo Freedom Gardens for our 2nd Annual Ubuntu Celebration & Fundraiser!

Ubuntu is centered on the belief that “I am because we are”—a reminder of the importance of community, connection, and collective support.

This free community celebration brings people together to celebrate culture, community, and the work of Buffalo Freedom Gardens. Guests will enjoy educational and interactive workshops, Food Forest Tours, Cultural food tastings, evening program and celebration!

***Admission is free, but Please RSVP for our interactive workshops and evening program: RSVP HERE

Donations are greatly appreciated to support Buffalo Freedom Gardens’ programs, community initiatives, and continued efforts to create a healthier, stronger, and more connected community!

📅 Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
🕓 Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: 333 Clinton Street corner of E. Eagle St., Buffalo, NY 14204 & Pine & 200 E Eagle St., Buffalo, NY 14204

Full Day Agenda

12:00 PM:

• Welcome and Thanksgiving at Gail V. Wells Food Forest (333 Clinton Street corner of E. Eagle st. & Pine)

12:15 PM – 12:50 PM:

• Food Forest tours & Gardening Activities at Gail V. Wells Food Forest (333 Clinton Street corner of E. Eagle st. & Pine)

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM:

• Workshop #1: From Field Holler to Freedom at Gail V. Wells Food Forest (333 Clinton Street corner of E. Eagle st. & Pine)
  • Facilitator: Chanon Judson
  • Description:  This workshop is in celebration of African American land based movement traditions that were cultivated in order to sustain life and culture in America during enslavement and beyond. In this participatory workshop we will use dance, song, and discussion, to learn the history of the Ring Shout and other knowledge holding traditions. Additionally, we will use movement, guided reflection and sensory scans to connect with the environment and embody the intentions we will sow in the Harvest season.

1:55 PM – 2:40 PM:

• Workshop #2: We Feed the Land, the Land Feeds Us at Durham Memorial Church, 200 E. Eagle St. (one block from GVW Food Forest)
  • Facilitator: Alexandra Zirkle
  • Description:  The Gail V. Wells Food Forest leads the way for WNY by growing one of the first public food forests. In a city dominated by asphalt and private property, how do we cultivate a reciprocal relationship with the land—how do we feel at home in the food forest? As we look forward to harvesting the fruits, nuts, and herbs growing here, what can we do to feed the land around us? We’ll discuss aligning what we grow with what we eat, including native edible species, and developing simple practices to care for the soil and plants we tend.

1:55 PM – 2:40 PM:

• Traditional West African Harvest Drum Rhythms Workshop (bring your own drum is encouraged!)
  • Facilitator: TBA
  • Location:Either at Food Forest or Durham Memorial Church-TBA

2:45pm-3:30pm

• Traditional West African Harvest Dance Workshop
  • Facilitator: TBA
  • Location: Either at Food Forest or Durham Memorial Church-TBA

4 PM-4:45pm Cultural Food tastings honoring the West African to USA African Diaspora food connections

5pm-5:45 PM: Program and Ending Celebration

Location: Durham Memorial A.M.E. Zion

• Celebrate our victories with us our organizational milestones
• Help support future projects
• Get a chance to hear our mission and vision
• Hear about our exciting new programs & how you can be apart of our growing Freedom Family!

Ways to Participate:

Volunteer! Call/text at 716-717-8571

Would you like to SPONSOR this event? Please call/text 716-717-8571!

Inkind Donations and/or sponsorships are appreciated!

FOR THIS EVENT:(raffle items, paper dinnerware, fall decor, seeds/vegetables for community giveaway, photography, videography and more!

 or In-Cash! (https://givebutter.com/BFGFF)

FOR BFG Programming: seeds, seedlings, garden raised beds/boxes, garden tools, gloves, flowers, etc.

We look forward to hearing from you!