Join us, as we explore the spirit of African-American Homesteading on a beautiful, working farm!

During this fully-immersive experience, our Madame X’ers will embark upon an adventure that explores the vibrant history of African-American homesteading set against the backdrop of a beautiful and magical working farm! We’ll engage in a wide variety of fun, hands-on homesteading activities, while we weave in conversations about African-American history that celebrate resilience, long-held traditions and innovations in sustainable farming and living. We keep it light, but we also keep it right!

This experience is designed to teach our Madame X’ers valuable new skills, African-American history, promote a greater sense of pride, support the concepts and methods of self-reliance, and create a connection to African-American heritage - all while having an amazing time in an intimate group setting!

Class Highlights:

• We’ll start our day by offering hot mint tea harvested from the garden to the parents and caretakers of our Madame X’ers. Once they see the farm, we’re pretty sure they’re going to want to stay the whole day!

• We’ll embrace nature by taking the Madame X’ers on a guided farm tour, where our young farmhands will discover the wisdom of the ancestors by nurturing the land through sustainable farming practices.

• We’ll play with the chickens and watch the crazy antics of the farm goats

• We’ll uncap honey frames, extract the honey and bottle it (This activity is so SWEEEEET! See our “Ain’t MisBEEhavin’ experience!) We’ll also discuss the vital role bees play in both pollination and honey production.

• We’ll harken back to a simpler time by making our own strawberry jam! Our Madame X’ers will learn the secrets of turning fresh fruit into delectable homemade jams and jellies, just like African-American homesteaders did. (“Jam….Oh, Jam…Teddy, jam for meeee!” Okay, Madame X loves the group, Guy!)

• We’ll dive into the world of pickling in our “vine to brine” activity, and and discover the art of preserving vegetables. Our Madame X’ers will create their own jar of delicious pickles, okra and other veggies to take home!

  • We’ll be working both outside, and also within an entirely open commercial kitchen that’s next to one of our various beautiful garden areas.

• Throughout our experience, we’ll touch upon the various socio-economic challenges that African Americans faced after the Civil War related to human rights and agriculture; their journey towards economic independence, and the historical significance of their sustainable farming practices.

• Madame X’ers always receive something special and relevant to the content of our unique experiences, and “Sow and Tell” is no different! Check out yer youngins’ amazing “take-home” gifts at pick-up.

Class Details:

• Suitable for kiddos aged 8-13 (let us know if you have an interested 14 yr old)

• Date: Sunday, July 6th

• Time: 10:30 AM-4:30 PM

• Location: (A very special location in Berkeley, California. Exact address sent to families after registration).

• All homesteading related food and materials will be provided.

• Madame X’ers are required to pack a lunch (Low waste materials are appreciated!)

• Light snacks and drinks will be provided

• Madame X’ers will receive an information packet

• We’ll have both our original design and “Sow and Tell” farm-themed Madame X t-shirts available for purchase.

Join us! We’ll honor the history and skills of the past, while also celebrating both the present and future. Enroll your child today, and please share our experience with other likeminded families.

In stealth and secrets,

The Madame X Academy