2025 SAFSF Forum Closing Plenary: “What Time Is It On The Clock Of The World?”

Visionary organizers Grace Lee Boggs and Jimmy Boggs, who cultivated food sovereignty in Detroit and beyond, would often start community gatherings by asking “What time is it on the clock of the world?” The question evokes an awareness of the long arc of history and movements for change, and our place in them. We close the conference with a recognition that democratic institutions are under attack globally and at home, and our food and agriculture systems are no exception. The rise of authoritarianism, freezing of federal resources, and dismantling of basic civil rights have profound ripple effects across rural and urban communities from farming to food security. Decades of progress on climate action is being undone while unelected billionaires raid our public resources. Frontline communities, immigrants, gender diverse and communities of color bear the brunt of attacks, and yet have always built movements to resist danger and discrimination and led solutions for healing and justice in this country. What is the role of philanthropy and impact investors in times such as these? How do we evolve our field to respond to crises? How can we bridge differences and unify around a shared commitment to Resilience, Justice and Democracy? In reflecting on what ‘time’ it is, we remember the Bogg’s invitation to “visionary organizing,” in order to reimagine food and farming systems, build powerful movements, secure our collective climate futures and create a multiracial democracy that respects all. There is hope available inside of our common ground.

Movement leaders and panelists Baba Malik Yakini, Malik Yakini, founder of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network, Dãnia Davy, Owner, Land & Liberation, Samir Doshi, Director of Just Transitions, CS Fund, and Paula Garcia, Executive Director, New Mexico Acequia Association, for a conversation moderated by Sarah Wentzel-Fisher, Land and Agriculture Policy Officer, Thornburg Foundation. Panelists reflected on the urgency of this political moment—marked by rising authoritarianism and climate crisis—and called on funders to engage in visionary organizing to defend democracy, reimagine food and farming systems, and invest in resilient, multiracial movements for justice.