Meet Ja’Nell Henry of Black Farmers’ Market (BFM)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ja’Nell Henry.

Hi Ja’Nell, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
From a young age, I’ve always found myself in roles of service whether it was helping out at church with my family or being a Bonner Scholar at Guilford College, the importance of “service to all” has been deeply embedded in me. It’s just who I am.

At my core, I’m a community builder and an event planner. I love bringing people together in ways that spark joy, connection, and meaning. Over the years, I’ve used that natural inclination to create spaces and events that uplift and serve the community, especially Black communities. Before the Black Farmers’ Market, I was part of a team that hosted biannual events supporting Black entrepreneurs and creatives.

The idea for the market was born through the vision of my father, Rickey Henry, during one of those events, after him and I sat and listened to the powerful stories and advocacy of two older Black farmers. They asked directly: “Can you all host this more often?” That moment stuck with me. Their ask wasn’t just about markets. It was about visibility, sustainability, and legacy. That conversation was the spark, and from it, the Black Farmers’ Market was born. It is rooted in the spirit of community, service, and urgent need.

Since then, alongside my Co-Founder, Moses Ochola, we’ve been hitting the ground running to grow the organization into a movement that supports Black farmers, entrepreneurs, and communities with love, intention, and excellence. It’s been a journey, but one that continues to fuel me every single day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As they say, “nothing worth doing is always easy”, and building the Black Farmers’ Market (BFM) has definitely come with its share of challenges.

We’ve had to navigate everything from finding consistent space to host the market (especially as development continues to reshape the areas we serve) to managing limited capacity. For years, I was balancing this work while also working a full-time job, which meant long days, late nights, and a whole lot of heart.

Securing funding has also been an ongoing challenge. As with many community-rooted efforts, we’ve had to work hard to prove the value of what we’re doing and to get the financial support needed to sustain and grow our impact.

And then, there’s the mindset shift. One of the biggest hurdles has been helping folks reimagine what a farmers’ market can be. We’ve worked intentionally to show our community that this is not just a special event. BFM is a place where you can do your weekly grocery shopping, connect with your neighbors, and support Black farmers and entrepreneurs who are growing and creating high-quality, nourishing products.

Despite it all, we keep going. Every challenge has helped shape us, and every win reminds me why this work is so necessary.

As you know, we’re big fans of Black Farmers’ Market (BFM). For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
BFM is so much more than a market. We’re a movement, an ecosystem, and a community resource.

Yes, we host vibrant farmers’ markets in Durham and Raleigh. But our work extends far beyond market day. We connect Black farmers with wholesale opportunities to help grow their operations. We offer education and workshops to our members to improve their business management practices. We educate the broader community on the value of fresh, local food and connect folks with food access resources, including SNAP and Double Bucks. We also have a Farmer Fund that provides mini-grants to support farmers with the unexpected needs and investments that help them keep going.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to supporting the community outside of the market. We are a nonprofit that’s building a sustainable, people-centered ecosystem. Our work centers Black farmers and entrepreneurs while ensuring that everyone, regardless of race or income, can access fresh foods and quality products.

What I’m most proud of brand-wise is that when people hear “Black Farmers’ Market,” they think of connections, community, and care. They know they’re walking into a space that’s intentional, affirming, and rooted in love. Whether you’re shopping for your weekly groceries or looking to build relationships, our markets offer so much more than a transaction, they offer connection.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was quiet, observant, and very helpful. I’ve always had a curious spirit, constantly watching the world around me and asking questions to understand how things worked or why people did what they did. I loved being outdoors, especially with my cousin Josh. We’d spend hours exploring nature, catching frogs and lightning bugs. For some reason I was so intrigued by cloud and wanted them everywhere from bedding to on my room ceiling along with some glow in the dark stars.

I loved to draw and took classes from a family friend. Even as a child, I found joy in planning. I would plan and save up my own money in my Caboodle to host my own birthday parties. I liked having a vision and figuring out how to bring it to life.

I was definitely stubborn not always in the best ways but when I set my mind to something, I was determined to see it through. That mix of curiosity, creativity, and perseverance has followed me into adulthood and continues to shape the way I lead and serve today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackfarmersmkt.org
• Instagram: @theblackfarmersmarketnc
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ja-nell-h-ab347356