Crossposted from King County Executive Climate Office newsletter

King County’s Community Climate Resilience (CCR) Grant Program funds community-based projects that support frontline communities, with a special focus on areas specified in the Strategic Climate Action Plan. That includes food systems—and a food sovereignty project was on display (and on the menu!) at an event this month. The African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program Intl. (AYDEPI) held their 3rd annual “Beauty of our African Roots” event at Family Life Center in Federal Way!

The youth-led cultural celebration featured music and dance, community voices and poetry, fashion, and African food. Part of the menu: managu, a dish grown in gardens planted by youth, funded through King County’s Community Climate Resilience (CCR) Grant program. AYDEPI’s project plans to engage youth and frontline communities to develop a circular food system that centers cultural identity, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment.

Along with a delicious meal including managu and other dishes, AYDEPI planned a full day of inspirational programming for the community, from dance performances and competitions to videos about their youth soccer program and fund-raising events. Throughout the year, AYDEPI offers opportunities for youth of color to thrive through education, socio-economic empowerment programs, mental health supports, and other resources. Learn more at aydep.org and find more photos on their Instagram page.