We were lucky to catch up with Julius Buzzard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julius, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

My grandmother is my hero. She was the first teacher of my heart, my hands, and my spirit. She carried within her the wisdom of the earth and the resilience of our ancestors, and she poured that love and knowledge into me.

Growing up, my grandmother nurtured my connection to the land in ways that were subtle yet profound. She would tell stories of her own childhood, of planting gardens that fed not just her family but the whole community. She showed me that soil is not just dirt—it is history, it is memory, and it is hope. It is alive, holding the dreams of those who came before us and the promise of those yet to come.

I remember one summer in particular when we planted a small vegetable patch together. Every day, she would guide me to observe how the plants grew, how they leaned toward the sun, and how they signaled their needs through their leaves. She taught me to listen deeply, not just to people, but to the land, the water, and even the wind.

From her, I learned that care and cultivation go hand in hand, whether with plants, people, or justice. She taught me that to love the land is to love yourself and your people, that tending the earth is a radical act of hope and resistance in a world that often seeks to sever us from it.

Her influence is in every seed I plant and every fight I take on for food sovereignty and community liberation. My grandmother’s lessons live in me like roots—grounding me, guiding me, and reminding me of the unbroken connection between the past, present, and future. She made me who I am, and I carry her strength and her love with me in every step of this journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Julius Buzzard, and I have the honor of serving as the Executive Director of Growing Hope, a nonprofit organization rooted in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Growing Hope is committed to cultivating food sovereignty, fostering equitable food systems, and empowering communities through urban farming, gardening, and fresh food access.

My journey into this work started with a deep curiosity about how we can reimagine food systems to reflect justice, resilience, and care. I grew up in a family where food was both a means of connection and survival—a bridge to understanding culture, history, and community. That personal foundation, combined with a professional background in community organizing and fundraising, led me to dedicate my life to building spaces where food grows alongside dignity, self-reliance, and interdependence.

At Growing Hope, we provide a variety of programs and services that address food insecurity while simultaneously challenging the structural inequities that perpetuate it. We operate a four-season urban farm that not only grows produce but also serves as an educational hub. Through initiatives like the Ypsilanti Farmers Markets, our Teen Leadership Program, and community garden grants, we work to ensure that fresh, healthy food is accessible to everyone, regardless of income or background.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to food systems change. We understand that food insecurity is not just about hunger—it’s about poverty, systemic racism, and a lack of agency in decision-making. Our work is not just about providing food; it’s about empowering individuals and communities to reclaim control over how food is grown, distributed, and shared.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our growing partnerships with local organizations and residents. From collaborating with senior centers to support intergenerational gardening, to engaging teens in conversations about food sovereignty, we are weaving a network of care that strengthens the community fabric. A recent initiative that fills me with hope is the continued emergence of the Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace, a project designed to centralize resources, amplify local growers, and expand access to fresh, culturally relevant foods.

For anyone encountering Growing Hope for the first time, I want you to know that we are about more than food—we are about liberation. We believe that everyone deserves to be nourished, body and soul, and that food sovereignty is a key to unlocking that possibility.

Our work is guided by love for the land, respect for the community, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Whether you join us as a volunteer, a market shopper, a donor, or simply an advocate for change, know that there is a place for you in this movement. Together, we can build a food system that nourishes not just individuals, but the soul of a community.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media was never about numbers for me—it was about creating a space for connection, education, and empowerment. My intention was simple: to tell the truth about the food system, to honor the wisdom of our ancestors, and to share tools for liberation through the land. Social media became an extension of our work, a place where we could amplify voices that have been historically silenced and connect with others committed to justice and healing.

We often focus on storytelling. We shared the struggles and victories of the people growing food on the margins, the beauty of Black and Brown hands working the soil, and the joy of communities coming together to celebrate harvests. We used our platform to show that food is not just sustenance—it’s culture, resistance, and a pathway to sovereignty.

We also made it a point to engage authentically. Social media is not just about broadcasting; it’s about dialogue. We asked questions, invited feedback, and highlighted the work of others in the movement. We built trust and reciprocity with our audience by lifting up the collective rather than centering ourselves.

For those just starting to build a social media presence, my advice is this:

1. Start with your why. Why are you showing up? What is your mission? When you are clear about your purpose, your content will resonate more deeply.

2. Tell real stories. People connect with authenticity. Share your journey, your lessons, and your truths—not just the polished moments, but the messy and raw ones too.

3. Build relationships. Social media is about community. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and acknowledge the contributions of others in your field.

4. Educate and empower. Share knowledge that helps others take action, whether it’s how to start a garden, dismantle a harmful policy, or build resilience in their community.

5. Stay consistent. Show up regularly with meaningful content. Your presence should feel like a steady heartbeat, not a fleeting echo.

Above all, remember that social media is a tool, not the work itself. Use it to illuminate the path, but always keep your roots in the real, tangible efforts of justice and healing. Your authenticity will draw the right people to your work and your message. When we use these platforms with intention and integrity, we can grow not just an audience, but a movement.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What has helped build my reputation within the food sovereignty and community development space is a commitment to authenticity, collaboration, and centering the voices of those most impacted by inequities in the food system. By prioritizing transparency in our work at Growing Hope—whether it’s sharing the challenges we face or celebrating the successes of our community partners—we’ve fostered trust and credibility. People know that when we speak about justice, equity, and sovereignty, it’s not just rhetoric; it’s deeply rooted in the work we do every day.

Another key factor has been staying true to our values while embracing innovation. Whether it’s leading partnerships that bring fresh produce to underserved communities, amplifying local growers, or empowering youth through intergenerational learning, we continually find creative ways to meet our mission. Consistency, community-led solutions, and a genuine passion for creating a more just food system have made our efforts resonate within the market and beyond.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.growinghope.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingthehope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growinghope
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growing-hope/

Image Credits

Doug Coombe