Meet Ja'Nell
Rooted in Durham.
Meet Ja'Nell Henry, a Durham native whose roots run deep in our vibrant Bull City. Born at Duke Hospital and raised right here, Ja'Nell attended Y.E. Smith Elementary, Carrington Middle, and Riverside High School, where she nurtured her passion for nature and community. If you're looking for Ja'Nell on a weekend, you might find her in her backyard tent, enjoying the outdoors and cheering on the Carolina game.
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Ja'Nell's dedication to Durham goes beyond her love of nature. As an entrepreneur and a fierce advocate for local farmers through her work with the Black Farmers' Market (BFM), she has significantly impacted local agriculture and community organizations. Under her leadership, the Black Farmers' Market transitioned from an LLC to a thriving nonprofit. Through collaborative efforts with her fellow BFM Co-Founder, Moses Ochola, and support from staff, BFM provides fresh produce, creates jobs across the Piedmont, and hosts weekly markets that bring the community together.
Growing Together.
Her academic journey at Guilford College, where she earned a BA in Spanish with minors in Business Management and Non-profit Management, equipped her with the skills to plan meaningful community and corporate events. Ja'Nell's commitment to service shines through her three terms with AmeriCorps and her high school summers spent assisting with cancer research at UNC Chapel Hill. Although she is not a farmer or conservationist by trade, Ja'Nell is a crucial connector, weaving together ideas, resources, and people to foster sustainability.
Ja'Nell's love for Durham is unwavering, as evidenced by her countless volunteer hours and her deep connection to local landmarks. As a descendant of Stagville Plantation and the first Little Miss NCCU at North Carolina Central University, her dedication to community service has been evident from a young age. Ja'Nell Henry is running for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor with a profound commitment to creating a sustainable and thriving future for Durham. Her vision is rooted in her lifelong connection to our city and her passion for building a resilient community for generations to come.
Join Ja'Nell!
Did you see the name Ja’Nell and say, “now, I know Ja'Nell does not have a science background.” Well, you would be correct. Ja'Nell studied Spanish and Business BUT she has a passion for entrepreneurship, education, and the environment. As a community organizer and entrepreneur, Ja'Nell has proven her dedication to making a positive impact on our community.
Here’s why you should vote for Ja'Nell Henry as Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor of Durham this November:
1 / She is a Champion for the Stewards of Land, Farmers
Ja'Nell has a track record of supporting small and historically marginalized farmers. She empathizes with the unique challenges they face, wants to learn from them, and is committed to expanding access to programs. In Durham, small farms represent about 90% of our agricultural landscape. Ja'Nell’s work with the Black Farmers' Market has already provided resources and economic opportunities to many in our community, and she aims to continue this important work on a broader scale.
2 / She is a Promoter of Environmental Justice & EducationÂ
Ja'Nell believes that clean air and water are basic human rights. She is committed to advocating for policies that reduce pollution and promote green spaces, ensuring all communities have access to safe environments. With recent environmental challenges like lead contamination in parks such as Walltown, her focus on environmental justice is critical. Studies show that lower-income communities and communities of color often face greater environmental hazards. Ja'Nell’s efforts will help make Durham healthier and safer for everyone.
3 / She Wants to Boost The Local Economy & Green Jobs
Ja'Nell's work with the Black Farmers' Market has shown how supporting local agriculture can drive economic development. By promoting local produce and farmers' markets, she plans to boost our economy and ensure access to fresh, healthy food for all Durham residents. According to a recent report, every dollar spent at a local farmers' market generates twice as much economic activity within the community compared to dollars spent at a grocery store. Ja'Nell's vision includes creating green job opportunities, fostering a resilient, self-sustaining community.
Ja'Nell Henry may not be a farmer or scientist by trade, but like many of you, she is a powerful connector of ideas, resources, and people. Her passion, dedication, and proven leadership make her the ideal candidate to continue the work of the Black women like Anjali Boyd before her. Let's vote for Ja'Nell and continue to build a sustainable and thriving future for Durham together!
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Sources
1. Durham County Farmland Preservation Program Annual Report, 2023.
2. "Environmental Inequality in Durham," Journal of Environmental Justice, 2022.
3. "The Economic Impact of Local Food Systems," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 2021.
