Staff Reports
RALEIGH – On Nov. 1, the Hunter family invites the public to Black Farmers Hub at 1409 Cross St. for a powerful day of celebration. The five-year anniversary from 1 to 5 p.m. will honor North Carolina’s Black farmers, past, present and future.
This milestone event will feature live ribeye steak tastings by Briarwood Cattle Farm and a hydroponic demonstration by Nomi’s Urban Garden, alongside tributes to the state’s historic and up-and-coming Black farmers. The day will blend tradition, technology, and community with food, music and storytelling.
Painted Sunset Farm, in eastern Wake County off Old Milburnie Road, stands as a living monument to the perseverance of Black farmers. Founded by Johnny Dunn, born in 1892, whose mother was enslaved in Wake County, this family farm has cultivated soybeans, corn and tobacco for more than 95 years. Today, Painted Sunset Farm continues its legacy through locally grown produce and handcrafted preserves — serving as a reminder of how deep the roots of Black agriculture run in North Carolina.
Shackleford Farm, based in Greene County, is another symbol of Black agricultural excellence. With generations of hands working the soil, the Shackleford family has dedicated decades to strengthening their community and mentoring younger farmers, ensuring that farming knowledge and opportunity remain accessible for the next generation.
Briarwood Cattle Farm, a first-generation Black-owned farm, is at the forefront of modern farming innovation. As part of the celebration, guests will experience ribeye steak tastings prepared by Briarwood’s founder, who will share his journey of sustainable cattle raising, health-conscious meat production, and building a bridge between traditional practices and new market opportunities.
At the heart of this event is the story of Zelb Hunter, whose life’s work embodies the perseverance of generations of Black farmers. During the Great Depression, Hunter began selling fresh produce from a mule and cart throughout southeast Raleigh and his hometown of Piney Grove in Johnston County. His mission was to bring nourishment, dignity, and opportunity to Black and brown families during times of economic struggle.
Hunter continued that work for more than seven decades, retiring in 2010 as one of the last independent produce merchants and community farmers in Wake County. In 2013, his son Demetrius Hunter carried the torch forward, retracing his father’s routes and expanding the vision. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Demetrius founded the Black Farmers Hub — a brick-and-mortar space that not only sells local produce but also provides a platform for Black and brown farmers to connect directly with the community. The Hub became a vital food access point, delivering thousands of produce boxes across Wake and Durham counties.
As agriculture evolves, Nomi’s Urban Garden represents the innovative next chapter in sustainable food production. The garden will host a live hydroponic demonstration during the event, offering visitors an up-close look at soil-less, water-based growing systems that can thrive in urban environments. These systems use minimal water and space while producing nutrient-rich greens — a perfect example of how new farming methods can coexist with traditional practices to ensure food security and sustainability.
“This celebration isn’t just about farming; it’s about legacy, survival and innovation,” Hunter said. “We’re honoring those who came before us while planting the seeds for the next generation of growers who will feed and heal our communities.”
