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At the MLK Fest 2024, The Walls Project partnered with the City of Baton Rouge for the MLK Celebration Festival. At the event, Walls had the privilege of honoring a local hero who does community service every day. The Petit-Pisto Award was created to lift up special individuals who give selflessly to the community and are integral to the mission of the Walls Project. Pat McCallister-LeDuff Pat McCallister-LeDuff is a community activist, organizer, and a 50+ year golden member of the Progressive Baptist Church. She has well over 15,000 community service hours, is married to Ernest LeDuff, Jr., mother of 4 wonderful children and Mimi of 11 awesome grandbabies. Pat is co-founder and current President of both, Community Against Drugs and Violence (CADAV, Inc.) and Scotlandville CDC, founded in 1993. Through her efforts, the group's mission is to combat drugs and street violence thereby, creating a safer and cleaner place for children to grow and prosper to become productive, self-sufficient citizens. Pat has provided countless opportunities for underserved children in the Scotlandville Community through CADAV’s annual Ms. Banks workshop and pageant; “Just Girls” program, "Kidz Kuttin Klub" (Lawn care training and Service provider), “Obesity for the Birds” Park Trail Walk, Community Gardens, Murals, Family Day, and Movie Night in the Park. Other activity efforts have included coordinating monthly community meetings held every 4th Tuesday at the Scotlandville Library where they work very closely with the 4th District Baton Rouge Police Department to continue to reduce the crime rate and strengthen the families with resources through partnerships like "Collective Healing", Job Readiness, Families Helping Families, and various Summer Camps. Pat’s passion through the Scotlandville CDC is to strive to create positive change in her community that will create a “crime-free” community environment; elevating the quality of life by promoting small business ownership and homeownership with “upscale” affordable housing. Pat is an honor graduate of both Scotlandville High School (Class of 78 president) and Southern University Agriculture & Mechanical College of Baton Rouge where she obtained her degree in Sociology, and is a lifetime member of the SU Alumni. She currently holds boards with Together Baton Rouge, and Louisiana, Women’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge, North Baton Rouge Industrial Cap, Keep Baton Rouge Beautiful, Mayor's Anti-Blight committee and currently serves as a Community Police Ambassador. She is a retired employee of United Healthcare and is currently facilitating community outreach through Mr. & Mrs. Consulting firm for Geaux Get Healthy BR, Kid Fest BR and CPEX.

On Saturday, January 13th, Baton Roots Senior Program Coordinator was the featured speaker at Garden Discoveries. Garden Discoveries is a free monthly series hosted by East Baton Rouge Parish Library System and the Baton Rouge Botanic Garden Foundation on the 2nd Saturday of each month. “Urban Farming With Baton Roots” highlighted the critical need for more farmers, including younger farmers, to enter the food landscape, as well as the benefits of urban farming and how Baton Roots is helping to shift the landscape of urban farming in Baton Rouge. Baton Roots is grateful to community partners like EBRPL and the Baton Rouge Botanic Garden Foundation for continuing the necessary work of educating community members about garden topics and connecting gardens to each other so that we can all grow together! The next Garden Discoveries series focuses on herb growing with master naturalist Art Scarborough. To register for that event, go here. To get involved with Baton Roots and register for upcoming events at the farm, go here.

Last week, cold temperatures swept across the country, including south Louisiana. With 15 sites across town, Baton Roots staff and volunteers were quickly preparing for the cold weather. On Sunday, January 14th, hundreds of community members came out to Baton Roots Community Farm at BREC’s Howell Park to help the farm team harvest ready vegetables and cover plants that needed more grow time. "With the freezing temperatures, I was worried that some of the crops wouldn't make it and I just didn't want anything to go to waste. I wanted to share our bountiful harvest with everybody," Baton Roots Senior Program Coordinator Mitchell Provensal said. The robust community response meant that all crops were harvested or covered within an hour. Community members took produce home with them, and leftover produce was distributed to MLK Festival Volunteers on Monday, January 15th.

BATON ROUGE, LA — This January, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy, the Walls Project hosted MLK Fest 2024. Outstandingly, over 1,000 volunteers signed up to help reactivate Eden Park in Baton Rouge. Individuals and groups from all over the Capital Area participated in this year's event, a true testament to the spirit and dedication that defines our community and makes these events deeply impactful. Events Galore at MLK Fest 2024! This year's fest was packed with meaningful projects designed to uplift and rejuvenate the community. Here’s a summary of what happened this weekend: 38th and Cain Street Pocket Park With the support of volunteers, artist Bryson Boutte refreshed the basketball court mural, added new asphalt games, and painted a community fridge structure. CAWSC Mural Restoration Artist Jennifer Carwile returned to help restore the mural on the CAWSC building, on the corner of 47th Street. With volunteers, they repainted the fading facade. BREC Gus Young Park Mural Restoration Volunteers contributed to revitalizing this iconic park mural with artist Geeta Dave. Billops Street Garden Reactivation On Billops Street, an existing garden bed received a facelift with new cinderblocks, dirt, and a colorful paint job thanks to the support of Baton Roots and volunteers. GEEP Neighborhood Elder Home Painting A local elder in the neighborhood was selected to receive a fresh paint job by volunteers. 37th and Gus Young Garden Build The Baton Roots crew worked with volunteers to build and fill garden beds near 37th Street. General GEEP Area Blight Team Clean-Up: Work around the CAWSC Building on Gus Young Ave to clean and beautify the area. MLK Celebration Festival MLK Celebration Festival was hosted by the City of Baton Rouge at BREC Gus Young Park on MLK Monday 1/15/24. Exciting activities included appearances from Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, Councilmember LaMont Cole, a battle of school bands, live musical performances, a resource fair, and food trucks. Petit-Pisto Award - At the MLK Celebration, the Petit-Pisto Award for action in communities and propelling the Walls Project's mission was awarded to Pat McCallister-LeDuff. To read more about the award and Pat, click here. MLK Fest BR 2024 was made possible through the support of: L'Auberge Casino & Hotel, Denise Marcelle, Bakery Project, Louisiana Conservation Corps, Teach For America, Chosen Family, BASF, Girl Scout Troop 10573, GIVE 365 BR, LSU Tiger Life, Ochsner Health, GEEP Neighborhood, LSU NOBCChE (National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, LSU MLK Day of Service, Chase Bank, Star Girls, Our Lady of the Lake, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Inc, Beta Delta Tau Youth Sorority, Inc., Diamond Stars #846, Order of the Eastern Star, EAG GC, BRYC, Target T1369 and Friends, Amazon - BTR9, CPEX

Every semester, JOLTcon creates an opportunity for teens to experience a new view of the use of technology and innovation to empower them for a more prosperous future. This free event will be hosted on two Saturdays this spring at Southern University. Free lunch is included for registered participants. This semester’s theme is about “Creating NextGen Innovators” through technology, creative arts, and business development. The first event, on February 24th, youth aged 12-18 have the opportunity to gain the skills for developing the next-gen of businesses, preparing to pitch their (existing or new) business concepts at the March 23rd competition event. This competition event will allow for groups or individuals to pitch their business ideas for a $500 cash prize. JOLTcon is a 2-part conference series. Teens who attend the February event, will automatically be eligible to compete in the competition in March.

Meet Jacob Jones, an 18-year-old graduate of Central High School, whose journey with Baton Roots began in their freshman year at Liberty High School. Passionate about urban agriculture, they challenge stereotypes, inspiring others to grow their own food. Explore Jacob's transformative story and discover the power of nurturing life from seed to harvest. Join us in celebrating their dedication to cultivating change in our community. Walls Project: Thank you for joining us today! Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself? Jacob Jones: Of course! I'm an 18-year-old recent graduate of Central High School, where my passion for agriculture blossomed. I stumbled upon Baton Roots during my freshman year, and I've been captivated by the transformative power of growing my own food ever since. Walls Project: That's incredible! Can you share how you first discovered Baton Roots and what inspired you to keep coming back? Jacob Jones: My journey with Baton Roots began in high school, back when I was attending Liberty High School. I was enrolled in a computer coding class, and Baton Roots was introduced to us as part of a program associated with the Futures Fund. While my classmates were drawn to the coding aspect, I found my true calling in the agricultural side of the program. What kept me coming back was the sheer joy of witnessing something I planted with my own hands grow and transform over time. There's a profound sense of satisfaction in nurturing life from seed to harvest. Walls Project: It sounds like a fulfilling experience. Speaking of which, how do you hope to change the local culture surrounding growing food? Jacob Jones: One of my primary goals is to challenge the prevailing stigma around growing food. There's an idea that only professional farmers can grow food, but the reality is quite different. I believe that anyone, regardless of their background or experience, can grow something nutritious. I want to inspire more young people to try their hand at urban agriculture, encouraging them to recognize their potential to contribute to a sustainable future. It's about empowering individuals to grow their own food, fostering self-sufficiency, and transforming our local communities in the process. Walls Project: That's a fantastic mission! For those interested in urban agriculture, what advice would you offer to help them get started? Jacob Jones: Don't overthink it! Starting small is absolutely fine, whether it's planting a few potted herbs on your balcony or creating a small garden bed in your backyard. The key is to take that first step, no matter how modest it may seem. If you're looking for guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to local programs like Baton Roots. They provide invaluable support and resources, helping beginners navigate the exciting world of urban agriculture. Additionally, consider exploring opportunities within local schools or universities with agricultural programs. Learning from experienced individuals and immersing yourself in the community can make a world of difference. Walls Project: Thank you for sharing your insights and passion with us. It's evident that your dedication to urban agriculture is making a significant impact. We wish you continued success in your endeavors! Jacob Jones: Thank you! I hope that my journey inspires others to embrace the transformative power of growing their own food. Together, we can cultivate change and create a more sustainable future for everyone.

If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community, volunteering at Baton Roots could be just what you need. Not only will you have the opportunity to make a positive impact, but you'll also be able to learn from experienced staff and develop new skills. At Baton Roots, you'll have the chance to work alongside knowledgeable and passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference in the community. You'll be involved in planting and growing fresh produce that will later be donated to those in need. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture, as well as to connect with others who share your passion for community service. Volunteer Impact Since September 21: Some of the projects they have helped with are planting mustard greens, collard greens, and other veggies. They have also helped plant flowers and harvest vegetables. What’s to come next? We want our community to be involved at the farm. Learning about sustainable agriculture and making new connections with those whom you share a community with. Baton Roots will continue to have weekly volunteer events in November. We will also have our monthly community event Sow Good Saturday the first Saturday of the month. Upcoming Events and Important Info:

The Walls Project, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to tearing down societal barriers that hinder people from living safe, healthy, and prosperous lives, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a transformative grant, from Santander Consumer USA, that will enable the organization to expand its mission in Dallas. The partnership will focus on two areas, technology access and creative placemaking through innovative programming. This initiative is set to make a significant impact by creating economic opportunities, providing access to cutting-edge job training, and enhancing the overall beauty of So. Dallas neighborhoods. A pivotal moment in this collaboration was the mural painting project. Santander Consumer USA team volunteers joined forces with lead artist Marissa Caggiano and support artists Emily LaCour and Alexis Phillips. Their creativity and passion breathed life into the mural, transforming a simple wall into a vibrant canvas of hope and inspiration. This mural not only signifies the physical transformation of spaces but also embodies the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines this partnership. The impact of this collaboration was felt deeply within the community, especially at Nexus Recovery for Women, an organization dedicated to helping women reclaim their lives from addiction. The Santander Consumer USA team, along with Walls Project artists, came together to support the vital work of Nexus Recovery for Women. Their efforts served as a beacon of support, illuminating the path to recovery and renewal for women in transition. Following this inspiring project, the collaboration continued with a community workshop titled Break N2 Tech, led by Santander team member Derek Perkins, at the MLK Center in Fair Park. This workshop was more than just a session on technology; it was a gateway to endless possibilities. Participants were introduced to the world of technology, opening doors to new skills, job opportunities, and avenues for personal growth. Santander Consumer USA, alongside the Walls Project, is not merely providing resources; they are nurturing dreams and aspirations, sowing the seeds for a future where everyone has equal access to knowledge and opportunities. As we celebrate this momentous collaboration between the Walls Project and Santander Consumer USA, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Santander team volunteers whose dedication and enthusiasm have ignited positive change within our community. Together, we are not just tearing down walls; we are building bridges to a future where every individual can flourish, regardless of their obstacles. The Walls Project and Santander Consumer USA invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we can break barriers, empower lives, and create a Dallas where everyone has the chance to thrive. Thank you for being a part of this incredible movement toward a brighter, more inclusive future for us all.

The Walls Project is excited to announce that we have been awarded a Healthy Communities Grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful to spearhead a year-long initiative of eco-art workshops at our Baton Roots Farm, nestled within the beautiful BREC Howell Community Park. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The Walls Project is a Baton Rouge-based nonprofit organization that has been at the forefront of transforming urban spaces through the power of art since 2012. This new endeavor, funded by Keep Louisiana Beautiful, will enable us to further our mission by merging art and environmental consciousness in a groundbreaking manner. The grant will support a series of workshops that focus on creating public art using reclaimed and recycled materials, promoting sustainability, and educating participants on proper disposal methods for art supplies that may be hazardous to the environment. Through these workshops, individuals of all ages and backgrounds will be able to harness their creativity while making a positive impact on our ecosystem. Key Workshop Components: Eco-Art Creation: Participants will have the opportunity to craft unique works of art using materials that would have otherwise been discarded, showcasing the potential for creativity within waste reduction. Environmental Education: Our workshops will also include information sessions on the responsible disposal of art supplies that may contain harmful components, ensuring that our art does not harm the environment. Plant-to-Paint Pigment Processing: The workshops will introduce a novel aspect of our eco-artistry – the transformation of flora from our Baton Roots Farm into pigments that can be used as a medium for visual art creation. This innovative process will demonstrate the power of harnessing nature's resources for creative expression. "The Walls Project is deeply grateful to Keep Louisiana Beautiful for their support in realizing our vision of eco-art workshops at Baton Roots Farm," said Morgan Udoh, Senior Program Coordinator of Public Art and Afterschool Programming at The Walls Project. "This grant not only enables us to create beautiful, environmentally-conscious art but also to share valuable knowledge on protecting our environment. It's a significant step toward a more sustainable and harmonious Baton Rouge." The Walls Project encourages everyone to get involved, whether they are budding artists or seasoned professionals, eco-conscious individuals or those simply looking to explore their creative side. Together, we can work towards a greener, more vibrant, and sustainable Baton Rouge. Our first workshop in collaboration with local artist, Clare Samani, during Sow Good Saturday, November 4th, 10a-12p, will offer farm visitors the opportunity to handmake wrapping paper using paste painting techniques and stamps. Visitors will use brushes and texture tools to create patterns and abstract designs on their paste paper. By the end of the workshop, visitors will have the knowledge of how to make wrapping paper and decorative sheets from recycled materials with simple easy-to-follow steps.

The picturesque town of Durango recently transformed into a vibrant canvas during the much-anticipated Durango Art Week, hosted by Durango Creative District and Visit Durango. This event, an inaugural celebration of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, witnessed an unprecedented collaborative endeavor with The Walls Project. For the first time, Helena Williams, the esteemed Marketing and Futures Fund Director, and Morgan Udoh, the dedicated Public Art Coordinator, joined Thomas Donley, CFO, in Durango, marking the beginning of an inspiring cultural exchange. The Walls Krewe embarked on an immersive tour of the community's heartbeats, starting with The Old Fort. This unique establishment champions sustainable living through its Farmer-in-Training program and extends its commitment to community service with a Country Store, providing essential nourishment in an area recognized as a local food desert. The journey continued with Manna Soup Kitchen, where compassion and support blend into nutritious meals for those in need. Inspirational visits to the Durango Art Center, The Hive, and Durango Skate Park highlighted the town's diverse artistic landscapes and hinted at potential future collaborative endeavors. But the artistic dialogue didn't just stop at visual arts; it ventured into the cinematic realm with the 4 Corners Film Office's enlightening session. Attendees were treated to a deep dive into the burgeoning film scene in the Four Corners region by Director Cornelius Hurley. The interactive event went beyond discussions, as participants had the opportunity to have professional profile pictures taken, laying a foundational stone for their potential cinematic careers. It was more than a seminar; it was a networking nexus, buzzing with ideas, future collaborations, and shared cinematic dreams. The crescendo of the week was, without a doubt, the Creative Business Launchpad. This innovative workshop series was a treasure trove for local creatives and artists, guiding them through the intricacies of brand building, project management, and even website creation. The hands-on sessions, led by industry experts, provided attendees with practical skills and knowledge, empowering them to navigate the digital world with confidence and artistic flair. Durango Art Week, in synergy with The Walls Project, has set a new standard for artistic convergence, weaving the fabric of community, creativity, and commerce into a tapestry that narrates tales of the town's cultural richness and untapped potential. As paintbrush caps and cameras cease rolling, the echo of this artistic confluence continues to resonate, promising an even more dynamic tableau in the years to come.

In October, Baton Rouge Green joined Baton Roots at BREC Howell Park to demonstrate how to plant new trees. Please enjoy the video! In a world facing the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the simple act of planting a tree has emerged as a powerful weapon in the fight for a sustainable future. Trees, the silent guardians of our planet, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and mitigating the impacts of climate change. In this blog post, we'll delve into the myriad benefits of planting trees and explore how this seemingly small action can have a colossal impact on our environment. Air Purity and Oxygen Production: Trees are nature's air purifiers. Through the process of photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, the very air we breathe. By increasing the number of trees, we not only enhance air quality but also contribute to the fight against global warming. Biodiversity Boost: Forests are vibrant ecosystems teeming with life. By planting trees, we provide habitats for countless species of plants, animals, and insects. Biodiversity is essential for the health of our planet, as each species plays a unique role in maintaining ecological balance. Carbon Sequestration: Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps to reduce the overall concentration of greenhouse gases, mitigating the impacts of climate change. A single tree can absorb a significant amount of carbon throughout its lifetime. Soil Health and Water Conservation: The roots of trees prevent soil erosion and promote soil health by anchoring the soil and enhancing its fertility. Additionally, trees play a crucial role in water conservation by reducing runoff and helping to maintain a balanced water table. Community Benefits: Beyond their environmental impact, trees contribute to the well-being of communities. Green spaces with trees provide recreational areas, reduce stress, and enhance overall mental health. Tree-lined streets and parks create aesthetically pleasing environments that enhance the quality of life. Global Initiatives and Reforestation Projects: Many organizations and governments worldwide are recognizing the importance of tree planting. Reforestation projects aim to restore ecosystems, combat deforestation, and create sustainable landscapes. Supporting and participating in these initiatives can amplify the positive effects of tree planting on a global scale. Individual Action: Every individual can make a difference by planting trees. Whether it's in your backyard, a community garden, or by supporting local tree-planting programs, the cumulative impact of individual efforts is substantial. Engaging in tree planting can be a fulfilling and tangible way to contribute to a healthier planet. In the grand tapestry of environmental conservation, planting trees emerges as a thread that connects us to a more sustainable and resilient future. The simplicity of this act belies its profound impact on the health of our planet. As stewards of the Earth, we have the power to cultivate a greener, more vibrant world—one tree at a time. So, let's roll up our sleeves, grab a shovel, and sow the seeds of positive change. The trees we plant today will shade the generations to come.