Nestled in the historic Near East Side of Columbus, Bronzeville is a community rich in culture, history, and resilience. Once a thriving hub for Black-owned businesses, the neighborhood has faced decades of systemic disinvestment. Despite these challenges, Bronzeville remains a beacon of pride and possibility, with its residents working tirelessly to restore its legacy of prosperity and equity.
In the heart of Bronzeville, a vision of resilience, empowerment, and hope is taking root. The Bronzeville Food Co-op is more than a grocery store—it is a symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together to reclaim its power and invest in its own future.
This vision is born out of necessity and determination. For years, the Bronzeville community has been classified as a food desert, where access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious food is scarce. But the people of Bronzeville have never been defined by scarcity. Instead, they are defined by their rich history, vibrant culture, and unshakable resolve to create something better for themselves and future generations.
The Bronzeville Food Co-op will be a place where community members are not just customers but owners, decision-makers, and stewards. It represents a new model of economic empowerment—one that prioritizes people over profits and invests in the health and well-being of the entire community.
Yet, this work is about more than food. It’s about restoring dignity and fostering connection. It’s about creating a space where neighbors can gather, share stories, and dream of a brighter future. It’s about showing what’s possible when we choose collaboration over competition, hope over despair, and action over complacency.
As we delve into the research and planning for the co-op, we are reminded that this work is not without its challenges. Like the seeds planted in rocky soil, this project requires care, attention, and faith. But the Bronzeville community has always been a testament to the power of perseverance.
To help us ensure the co-op reflects the needs, hopes, and priorities of our community, we need your voice. We invite you to take a few minutes to complete our survey and share your input. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping this project and ensuring it becomes a resource that truly serves our community. Click here to take the survey
The co-op will be a tangible expression of the gospel of gratitude. It reminds us to give thanks for the hands that plant and harvest, for the neighbors who show up to meetings and share their ideas, and for the local leaders and partners who have offered their resources and expertise to make this dream a reality.
Gratitude is a practice, and so is community-building. It requires us to recognize the interconnectedness of our lives and to act on that recognition. Just as the Bronzeville Food Co-op will nourish the body, it will also nourish the soul of this community by reminding us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to care for one another.
We invite you to join us in this journey. Whether it’s through volunteering, becoming a member-owner, or simply spreading the word, your support can help ensure the success of the Bronzeville Food Co-op and the lasting impact it will have on this community.
In this season of gratitude and hope, we give thanks for all who have walked with us on this path. Together, we are sowing the seeds of change, and together, we will reap a harvest of abundance, equity, and joy.
To learn more about the Bronzeville Food Co-op and how you can get involved, come to this Sunday, December 22 or visit our website: www.bronzevillefoodcoop.com
In Solidarity,
Keryna Johnson
Director of Housing and Community Partnerships
RISE Together Innovation Institute
Steering Committee Member, Bronzeville Food Co-op
To learn more about the Bronzeville Food Co-op and how you can get involved, visit our website here: www.bronzevillefoodcoop.com
