Written by: Kiera Tran ’27 and Owen Fahey ’25
The importance of sustainability at Colgate is woven into the curriculum and has inspired students to pursue this passion and education well after graduation. Learn firsthand from Sarafina Lewis, a senior majoring in environmental studies and African and Latin American studies. She is interested in food justice — stemming from an environmental justice course at Colgate University.
What sparked your interest in environmental studies and environmental justice?
When I started Colgate, I wanted to major in political science and philosophy. However, after taking classes like Environmental Ethics and Environmental Justice, I enjoyed how they fused theories with tangible action. I also found that my personal and political values aligned more with the content of environmental studies and African and Latin American studies.
In Professor Binoy’s Environmental Justice class, we learned about community gardens and their impact on local food systems. This inspired me to work at an urban garden in my community, Queens, N.Y., during the summer before studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. While abroad, I completed a semesterlong project to address how historically redlined neighborhoods contribute to health risks, from urban heat islands to diet-related conditions. Community gardens, local organizations, and strong coalitions can help fight against food apartheid in New York City.
How have you infused these interests into projects at Colgate?
This semester, I have centered every class around food justice. For my Community-Based Research class with Professor Cardelùs and Professor Fitzgerald, I had the opportunity to work with the food access group to assist the Madison Lane apartments with their food pantry and the Madison Lane market. My group, including Laine Katz-Vanzo, Tucker St. Lawrence, and Boyana He, has focused on this project's four pillars: accessibility, affordability, availability, and quality.
For my Research Methods class in geography with Professor Meyer, I have looked at how gardens from the 1900s supported Americans in environmental and economic crises, such as Victory Gardens in World War I.
Another project I worked on in my Transnational Feminism class with Professor Mitchell-Eaton examined how food justice rejects current global food systems. This project furthered my understanding of globalization, its colonial and capitalist origins, and how it has disrupted meaningful relationships between people and their food sources. Justice through food sovereignty and actions through community gardens can help mend these relationships.
What are your aspirations for future work?
After school, I aspire to work in food access in New York City through the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Queens botanical gardens that support local food systems. I’d also be interested in working for nonprofits that work directly with community members and have a more hands-on approach. After getting work experience, I’d like to go to graduate school for urban agriculture or sustainable food systems.