Community activist Arthur L. Burton wheels a load of dirt to a newly planted fruit tree that Omari Al-Qaddafi, left, and Victoria “V” Lynn planted as part of a mini-orchard. They were among 25 volunteers from Community Unity in Action, a coalition of public and private groups, who worked Oct. 23 to develop the prototype for gardens to be developed in other locations. A leader in the coalition, Mr. Burton has been at the forefront of creating in Richmond a food justice corridor of community gardens to expand access to healthy food. He also has been a top advocate for making urban agriculture a centerpiece for uplifting the health and economic prospects for residents of low income sections of Richmond. The goal of these gardens is develop a healthy space, boost nutritional education for students and residents, improve residents’ well-being and enable those on the low end of the economic scale to become more self-sufficient.
