Rakeem Jones: Fayetteville ‘You, Me, and Us’ garden is outreach to residents along Murchison Road

Murchison Road is one of the most well-known streets in Fayetteville.

It is the home to Fayetteville State University, one of the most prestigious Historically Black College and Universities in the nation. In addition to FSU, E.E. Smith High School is just blocks away on Seabrook

Road. The City of Fayetteville is working to revitalize the Murchison Road corridor, which starts

at Fort Bragg and ends in downtown Fayetteville.

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Through the Murchison Choice project, the city is working with other government agencies to improve the conditions of residents in the predominantly African-American area. However, there is a veteran-owned nonprofit organization looking to contribute to the growth and development of the Murchison Road corridor.

Southern CC Inc., founded by Tony U. Brown, has created the You, Me, and Us holistic community garden less than a mile from the Murchison Townhouses, the center of the Murchison Choice project. In its proposal, Southern CC states the garden “will assist the underserved in Fayetteville by improving the community’s well-being by providing fresh organic produce and a space for healing and positive social engagement.”

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Currently, YMUS covers 2 acres at 201 Stackpole Drive, off of Murchison Road. The garden is the home to goats that were birthed by Southern CC right on the property.

In addition to the goats, there is an earth trail for visitors to walk without shoes, as they enjoy the peace and serenity. The veteran organization plans to continue its commitment to those who served by dedicating garden beds to fallen heroes. Furthermore, Southern CC is looking to partner with the Autism Society of America to offer individuals with autism a safe space to interact with live animals.

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Southern CC hopes YMUS will be fully functional by the summer of 2024 with the help of the community. However, the project is lacking a vital piece, a water well. The well will provide the water source necessary to sustain the garden and help it provide for the area’s 6,824 residents.

Through contributions from the community, Southern CC has already begun the work. But, there is progress to be made. Southern CC’s CEO Tony U. Brown has been lobbying officials to include the garden in the Neighborhood Revitalization Area.

Local and state officials such as City Councilwoman Yvonne Kinston and N.C. Sen. Kirk Deviere can be seen visiting the site. Councilman D.J. Haire made a Facebook post praising Brown and Southern CC for their efforts.

Through a partnership with Colorado-based organization LEMONS Foundation, a portion of the proceeds from the 2022 Dreamville Festival will benefit the YMUS community garden.

As the Murchison Road corridor grows, YMUS will continue to grow. To learn more or contribute, go to www.southernccinc.org/ymus-holistic-community-garden or call (718) 344-7378. Salute to Tony and every activist getting active. Peace.

Rakeem “Keem” Jones is a community advocate and father of three from the Shaw Road/Bonnie Doone area of Fayetteville. He can be reached at keemj45@gmail.com. 

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Rakeem Jones: Fayetteville ‘You, Me, and Us’ garden is outreach to residents along Murchison Rd