APRIL 3, 2026 IN MEMORIAM In loving memory of Melvin Parson (1964- 2026) Pony PONY BUSH Groundcover vendor No. 305 Sometime in 2021 a friend from the church I was going to brought me to meet Melvin. My friend knew Melvin was hiring those who once were incarcerated and were now released and looking for work. It was hard to find work so I agreed to go with my friend to meet Melvin about a job. When I first met Melvin for my job interview I knew he was a good guy; I felt comfortable around him. We connected. We’re both from Detroit originally. I think we served time together but can’t remember when and where. During the interview Melvin told me about the farm and the work I would be doing. I never thought I would be working on a farm and planting seeds. When I started to work on the farm I was learning a lot about plants, seeds and even the sun. I didn’t know how many different types of tomatoes there are! I was working with a few other people who also had come out of jail or prison. Some people had a hard time working out in the sun — it Melvin would get hot and there wasn’t much shade. We had to be careful about dehydration. But most of the time we all were serious about the hard work we were doing. We realized how uncommon it is to be a Black farmer today. One of the bigger learning experiences from my time on the Farm was the pay schedule. I was used to fast money, but the farm job had a payout every two weeks. I had to be patient and have self-control over my money, especially if I wanted to stay out of jail. Melvin was giving away food to people in the community through a food pantry around the corner from the Farm. And, I would drive around with Melvin to deliver vegetables to different restaurants and to those working on the houses for Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley. I admired Melvin, like a positive role model. It’s hard to find work, housing and community when you are released from prison. Melvin was making sure people who have a hard time finding work had an opportunity through the Farm. He was doing something different and was making something I wouldn't have thought about. My time on the farm taught me many things. One thing I won’t ever forget is, “One seed can grow a big plant!” Melvin had an impact on me — he created opportunities for people like me looking for a way to work, learn work skills, learn more about farming, and commit to something I didn’t see for myself before. I’m going to miss Melvin. GROUNDCOVER NEWS To Be the Poem CASSIE CATANIA Groundcover contributor She’s on her knees, As if praying, Crying into the soil. She’s on her hands and knees, Carving into the dark, damp earth, Spreading roots. She’s on stage Moving her body through space In a way that says, “Look at all this potential.” She’s on stage Reading your poetry, Tending the ether, Carving space for your words To bring more light into the world. Beloved, you are the poem. 13
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