BRED Solidarity Economy Breakfast: Denzel Mitchell Jr.

This breakfast is part of the Baltimore Roundtable for Economic Democracy’s series on Black-led and Black-centered solidarity-economy enterprises. The series highlights work that puts people, ecological well-being, and justice ahead of private profit. The October program features Denzel Mitchell Jr., a farmer, educator, organizer, advisor, and advocate for food sovereignty and the next generation of Black farmers.

Mitchell grew up in Oklahoma with country and cowboy roots, developing an early interest in farming, food production, consumption, and sovereignty. He was a founding organizer and member farmer of the Farm Alliance and completed Future Harvest-CASA’s Beginning Farmer Training Program in November 2012. Alongside a farmer, chef, and food historian, he helped revive Baltimore’s Fish Pepper, a nearly forgotten heirloom variety, for the Chesapeake foodshed.

He and his family founded and operated Five Seeds Farm from 2008 through 2016 with support from volunteers and other community members. From 2012 through spring 2017, he mentored new growers, organized farmers’ markets, and advised people launching small farms, community gardens, food cooperatives, and food businesses. His other work has included healthy-food education and access programs at Baltimore City public schools and after-school programs, serving as Baltimore’s Brownfields Coordinator, and managing Strength To Love 2 Farm from 2017 through 2020. He has advised Real Food Farm, Whitelock Community Farm, Strength To Love 2 Farm, and Great Kids Farm, and has served on the boards of Friends of Great Kids Farm, Belair-Edison Neighborhood, Inc., and Acres4Change. He currently serves on the board of Our Common Table. His nearly 15 years of farming experience inform his strategic work, agricultural innovation, mentorship, and advocacy for Black farmers.

When: Wednesday, October 28th 2026

Showtime: 9:00 am

Venue: Red Emma’s

Address: 3128 Greenmount Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland

Speaker: Denzel Mitchell Jr.

Series: Baltimore Roundtable for Economic Democracy solidarity-economy breakfast series

Tickets: Price not available