Kamal Bell Has Turned His Farming Business Into The Backbone Of The Community

CEDAR GROVE, NC – Kamal Bell, the CEO of Sankofa Farms LLC, is a farmer and a former middle school teacher who has devoted his career in not only providing his community with valuable food products but also to teach young African American children the importance of farming, beekeeping, and STEM concepts which they can carry on for the rest of their lives. Through Sankofa Farms, Bell has been able to give back to his community and pass on his knowledge to the next generation.

Graduating from NC A&T University, Bell knew that he wanted to help his community. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in animal studies and a master’s degree in Agricultural Education, he started Sankofa Farms in 2016, along with his wife, Amber Bell. Here, they grow crops which they whole-heartedly provide to their community back in Durham and Orange County. They also maintain a successful beekeeping operation, something that is uncommon among African American farmers.

However, Bell knew that he wanted more than just a simple farm. In an interview with NC State’s CALS News, he said, “I didn’t want to have just a regular farm where we just produce food with the farmers market. I wanted to make more of a meaningful impact, I wanted to make sure that the farm serves to assist all the food vendors.” This dream has been what made Sankofa a great business. They have even partnered with organizations such as the Urban Ministries of Durham to provide food for those suffering from food insecurity. With this mission to end the unavailability of food for certain minority groups while ensuring that his farm has no negative impacts on the environment, Bell has been able to give back to his community.

The philosophy of giving back and protecting the environment ties in with his efforts in beekeeping as well.

Every person on the farm is a certified Beekeeper. Bees are an integral part of the environment and are vital for pollinating plants and flowers around the world. With a global decrease in the bee population, maintaining a beekeeping operation is a great way to not only teach kids the important role bees play but also show them just how important caring for the environment truly is.

Bell strongly believes in preserving his African heritage. Sankofa itself is a West African term that literally means, “go back and get it.” This close tie to his heritage is something that he passes on to his students through the Agricultural Academy program on Sankofa Farms. This program teaches kids valuable STEM concepts and, in Bell’s own words, teaches them, “how to be disciplined, punctual, and responsible, and public speaking, focus, and critical thinking and give them perspective.” It teaches kids the importance of farming to the nation and the importance of good eating habits and caring for the environment.

Since Bell’s focus is to ensure a sustainable food source for those that need it, teaching the next generation is the best way to ensure that the dream will never die. He has a clear future for the Academy and the farm.

He wants to create a permanent Academy at the farm where many students can learn not only farming techniques, not only beekeeping, not only STEM concepts but also about their African heritage. He said, “We want to incorporate more students, permanent structures like a lodging space.” He continued to mention the importance of getting staff and creating a safe environment where people can learn.

Watch Kamal Bell Introducing Sankofa Farms:

All in all, Bell has successfully created a working farm that provides for his community, a great beekeeping operation that teaches everyone about the importance of these creatures, and a great Academy that is inspiring the next generations to help their community and preserve their heritage. Sankofa Farms LLC is providing a valuable service to Durham and Orange County, and their desire to grow and expand is now being supported by numerous organizations and universities such as NC A&T and NC State. Their farming techniques should be an inspiration for future generations and their ability to give back is something that is very much needed in the community. 

For more information, please visit sankofafarmsllc.com