our mission
HONOR THE PAST. GROW THE FUTURE.
Strong Roots 9 was created by Chefs and Farmers (aka CheFarmers) Matthew and Tia Raiford.
Strong Roots 9 is dedicated to creating food, products, experiences, and partnerships that nourish mind, body and soul. Our mission is to engage our world to African American foodways, from historical and futuristic perspectives and actions. Dedicated to pioneering a return to the holistic practices of our forefathers, we strive to help our diverse community regain their connection to nature through the creation of products and safe spaces that value agriculture and equality at their core.
Together, Matthew and Tia share over 70 years of culinary, farming, consulting, and leadership experiences, sharing their passion for food, wellness, community, and legacy to this partnership and platform they’re building.
We seek partnerships that honor the African-American perspective and share our vision of creating programs and experiences that are fiscally and environmentally responsible, and focus on creating thoughtful, authentic, sustainable, and regenerative outcomes.
our values
George Washington Carver said, “When you do common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.” This is the mission of Strong Roots; to create modern opportunities for Americans to reconnect with our nation’s natural heritage from the perspective of the people whose ancestors helped build it.
Black people unwittingly migrated to what we know today as America to support the growth of a new nation. They were the farmers, builders, cooks and caretakers whose livelihood was dependent on the land and animals they kept. Their cultivation of and connection to the natural world was their lifeline.
Today, American life tells a different story. Our consumption of food and goods is no longer driven by our relationship with the Earth. We opt for ease and convenience over sustainability and ingenuity. Strong Roots is on a mission to change these common modern day truths with an uncommon approach to hospitality and health.
