Rooted

In honor of Juneteenth today and this celebration of freedom, culture, and black excellence, we're lifting up how the Madison Common Council chose to recognize five Black youth leaders at their annual Juneteenth recognition this month. Common Council President Sabrina Madison highlighted local youth (and two adult leaders) for their ongoing impact in their communities. One of Rooted's longtime Youth Employees, Dahjenae Lavell, was among those recognized, along with youth from Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center, The House Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. We're proud of Dahjenae and the other Black youth leaders, and recognize their commitment to excellence this Juneteenth!

Read more about the Common Council's Juneteenth recognition: https://www.cityofmadison.com/news/2026-06-02/council-president-sabrina-madison-honors-next-generation-of-black-excellence

37th annual Madison Juneteenth parade and celebration: Saturday June 20 at the Madison Labor Temple and Penn Park, 11:00am-5:00pm
https://www.kujimcsd.org/

More Madison Juneteenth celebrations: https://madison.citycast.fm/best/how-to-celebrate-juneteenth-2026-in-madison

With the end of the school year we wrapped up our "I Grew That" project for the semester. Our 4th graders spent some time outside on the farm planting the lettuce they grew from seed in their classrooms. Our 5th grade students sold the marigolds they grew at our annual spring plant sales, and chose local nonprofits to donate the proceeds to. The Lori Mann Carey Elementary School 5th graders chose Operation Fresh Start, and the Kennedy Elementary School 5th graders chose We Got This Milwaukee -- donating $515!

We are so proud of all the students who participated in the "I Grew That" project this year, and commend them for generously helping other Wisconsin youth grow food for their community. The "I Grew That" project is in partnership with the USDA's NIFA program.

Rooted's Troy Farm CSA has been nominated for a Best of Madison award! Voting is open now through the end of the month, so look for Troy Farm in the CSA category (in the "Lifestyle" section) and cast your vote! https://madisonmagazine.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Madison-2026/gallery?group=535268

We appreciate everyone who nominated us for this award, and are grateful to be one of many great farms in the running for this award and in the local CSA community.