Wayne State University Assistant Professor Allana Clarke is using art and urban agriculture to tell the story of the African diaspora through "Amend," a living art installation at the Cadillac Arts Centre in Detroit's Little Village neighborhood. The community garden features heirloom crops, including West African leafy greens, okra, sorghum, fonio and brown cotton, whose histories reflect the movement and resilience of African people across generations. Clarke said the project was inspired by learning how enslaved Africans preserved seeds by carrying them during the transatlantic slave trade, viewing those seeds as symbols of hope and survival.
Since opening in May, "Amend" has served as both a public artwork and an educational space, offering free workshops on seed sovereignty, African and African American agricultural traditions, and climate-resilient gardening. Clarke also involved former Wayne State students and alumni in developing the project, creating opportunities for mentorship beyond the classroom. The garden provides free produce and seedlings to neighborhood residents while encouraging community participation and connection. By combining public art, education and Detroit's strong tradition of urban gardening, Clarke hopes visitors leave with a deeper understanding of Black history and the inspiration to grow and share that knowledge in their own communities.
Source: Adapted from reporting by Wayne State Today.
