Common Ground Series: Film, Food, and the Future of Black Farmers

Join us at the James Beard House to celebrate Black History Month with a panel discussion and small bites led by baker/filmmaker Lani Halliday of Brutus Bakeshop. 
 
Released in 2021, Loxley is Halliday’s debut documentary exploring food sovereignty, community action, and the Black American experience. The film follows her uncle George Jerkins—a farmer working the land that the family has held for generations—and highlights the often-obscured stories of those sustaining our communities. Halliday will prepare seasonal bites inspired by the film and will be joined by Melanie Allen of Black Farmer Fund as well as Yemi Amu of Oko Farms for a panel to discuss clips from Loxley and the legacy and future of Black farmers. 
 
Guests arrive at 5:30 P.M. for bites and refreshments. The panel discussion and screening begin at 6:00 P.M., and the event will conclude at 7:30 P.M.

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As James Beard said, “Food is our common ground.” The Common Ground Series celebrates national holidays, heritage months, and community moments over the course of the calendar year. Series events bring in culinary talent to the iconic James Beard House for dinners, tastings, book talks, volunteer events, and more to create community around these celebratory months and complement existing programs across the Foundation. 

About the Panelists

Lani Halliday is a Brooklyn-based food artist and founder of Brutus Bakeshop, a multi-hyphenate food-centric production company. Halliday’s work, much like her own story, is all about trial and error– learning from mistakes, leading with love, and baking for yourself. 

From London to New York, Halliday has shared her craft with lovers of baked goods around the world as a gluten-intolerant, professionally-trained pastry chef. Her creations captivate the eye, speak to the soul, and celebrate the messiness of life.

Halliday redefines what it means to be a traditional baker, paving the way for a new generation that is unafraid to bake outside the lines. She is recognized by leaders in food and fashion alike, including InStyle, Vogue, and most recently, as the cover star of Cherry Bombe. 

Loxley is Halliday’s first collaborative film with Director of Photography and Editor, Tom Gorelik. 

Melanie Allen (she/her/hers) serves as the Program Director for the Black Farmer Fund, the first Black farmer-led 501c3 community investment fund offering financing options pairing grants, debt, and financial education for the advancement of Black farmers and food businesses in New York State. She is passionate about pushing forward efforts that create a future where black farmers and residents take control of local food systems, and have access to healthy, affordable and sustainable food. 

Allen has worked on the intersection of climate change, agriculture, human rights, and international policy for nearly a decade, specifically through her work with Conservation International, Amnesty International, and Les Jardins Chez Marlene.

Yemi Amu is the Founder and Director of Oko Urban Farms, Inc. In 2013, she established NYC’s first and only publicly accessible outdoor aquaponics farm, The Oko Farms Aquaponics Education Center.  She directs all of Oko Farms' programs including education, design/build projects, and community related activities. Amu is one of NYC’s leading aquaponics experts and is a committed educator. 

Over the past decade, she has facilitated the creation and maintenance of over 20 edible spaces throughout NYC; created and implemented various culinary, nutrition, and gardening programs for both youth and adults; and promotes aquaponics as a tool for environmental awareness and stewardship. 

Amu has an M.A. in Health and Nutrition Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2021, she became part of the inaugural cohort of the Dorchester Industries Experimental Design Lab created by Theaster Gates and Prada.

All tickets are non-refundable for this event.