| Tonight's happy story is about Will Allen, former pro-basketball player, urban farmer, activist, and now winner of the 2008 MacArthur Genius Award! Way to go Will!!!!
From the MacArthur site:
In 1995, while assisting neighborhood children with a gardening project, Allen began developing the farming methods and educational programs that are now the hallmark of the non-profit organization Growing Power, which he directs and co-founded. Guiding all is his efforts is the recognition that the unhealthy diets of low-income, urban populations, and such related health problems as obesity and diabetes, largely are attributable to limited access to safe and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables.
Grower Power is a role model to other communities interested in urban agriculture - not only for its sustainable methods (including an innovative aquaponics system used to raise tilapia), but also for its involvement of children. They have operations in Milwaukee and Chicago and they have trained urban agrarians all over the U.S.
With this award, Allen was given $500,000. I can't imagine a more worthy recipient! |
