THE RESOURCE CENTER
The Awali Resource Center (Awali for short) is a five-acre veganic homestead and education center situated near Stone Mountain in the Atlanta metro area. Awali houses an organic seed library, wellness space, greenhouse, training kitchen, and veganic farm. Its function and development serve as a living laboratory and sustainable prototype of suburban green spaces and sanctuaries.
With 33+ years of collective experience, Jo’Vonna Johnson and Eugene Cooke lead a dedicated team transforming under-utilized land into plant-based foodscapes within the broader community. Abundant with nutrient-dense and protein-rich crops, these urban agricultural hubs strengthen community ties, while promoting personal and planetary health through plant-based foods and farming.
_JPG.jpg)
THE ORIGIN
Seva is a Sanskrit word that translates to “selfless service.” The philosophy of seva is our guiding principle. We approach our work with the understanding that all things are connected. Everyone has a valuable contribution and is endowed with inherent gifts, abilities, and purpose that can be utilized in service to all. Removed from hierarchical concepts and speciesism, Awali functions as a collective, in harmony with all life and with recognition of our collective potential.
Awali is developing into a central hub, in a community of people focused on wellness. This development is assisted by parents, volunteers, and professionals with a wide range of valuable skill sets. Awali is instrumental in organizing these efforts by providing a space to gather, learn, and explore the offerings of these educators, builders, activists, and food entrepreneurs. Notable contributors include Quinton Watson of Urban Construction, Kiara Diggs, of Little Indigo House, and Renay Nailon of The Art Reform. Key figures in the arenas of food and land justice that are helping to advise Awali’s practices include Brenda Sanders of Afro-Vegan Society and Tracy McCurty of Acres of Ancestry.