‘3 Sistas Farm Collective’ works to diversify farming and food options

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – A Lansing-based group called 3 Sistas Farm Collective is working to bring more Black gardeners and farmers into the area while diversifying the south side’s food options.

The collective was founded in 2025 by Hilary Coleman, MSU Professor Dr. Liv Furman and Lansing-native Dinah George.

“There aren’t a lot of Black farmers in the Lansing area. If you go to Detroit, there are tons, and we are trying to bring that here,” said Hilary Coleman, co-founder of 3 Sistas Farm Collective.

The three plan to transform a vacant lot at 1511 Lyons Ave in Lansing, into a community garden and farmers market providing African diaspora crops to southside residents.

“We don’t see those crops that are popular in the black community often at farmers’ markets. And we just want to bring that more to the southside, since it is heavily populated with Bi-POC and African Americans,” said Coleman.

Co-founder Dinah George says the project will include crops like collards, broccoli, turnip and mustard greens. And things in the motif family like hibiscus, okra, and different types of heirloom and heritage tomatoes.

“The Diaspora is expansive and the food that we eat is expansive. So, having that reflection here in a local space and on a local scale is extremely important,” George said.

George said the initiative provides a space for Black farmers and gardeners to be included in agricultural conversations and learn ancestral growing practices.

“The representation of black farmers, although it is difficult to see, we are there, we are making it happen, and we are stewards of the land,” George said. “But it’s important for us to see ourselves in our food systems, because we are a part of the food system, like we are a part of the land.”

The collective also plans to work with the Indigenous American community to better understand the land and share growing practices.

The 3 Sistas Farm Collective plans to break ground in the spring and is looking for more people to get involved.

For more information or to get connected with the group, you can visit their Facebook at 3 Sistas Farm Collective.

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