Julialynne’s lifelong commitment to food justice has transformed traditionally African American communities across all of Columbus. As the driving force behind the Brownsville Growers Market and a Certified Market Manager with the Ohio Farmers Market Network, she has dedicated herself to addressing food deserts in our city. Her efforts include leading a seven-month USDA-sponsored urban farming course that provided critical insights into sustainable food practices for participants. Through this work, she created avenues for community gardens to sell at select farmers markets, reinforcing her vision of bringing fresh, healthy food to her neighbors. Julialynne’s passion for food equity stems from a profound desire to restore agricultural culture to communities that have lost it—particularly the Bronzeville area, where she has witnessed a disappearance of urban farming practices within her lifetime.

This impact extends well beyond her role as a food justice advocate. As President of the Franklin Park Civic Association, she brings people together, offering her guidance as an elder and mentor to gardeners and community leaders alike.