The 26th Annual Agricultural and Cultural Bordeaux Vegan Food Fair this weekend on St. Thomas will feature Cashawn Myers as its keynote speaker.
Myers, the executive director of Habesha Inc., an organization dedicated to repairing agriculture through education, has made a significant global impact. His efforts focus on educating youth, young adults, and families about their cultural roots, with a specific emphasis on sustainable agriculture.
Myers, who is currently on a “mini tour” between the U.S. and the Caribbean, is sharing his knowledge and experiences gained through the growth of Habesha Inc.
Originally from Southeast Georgia, Myers has integrated African customs and influences from his wife and life experiences, which have reshaped his perspective and fueled his determination to impact lives. The term “Habesha” comes from Ethiopia and means “the original people.” It is also an acronym for “Helping Africa By Establishing Schools at Home and Abroad.” Founded in 2002, the organization focuses on leadership development for younger generations through cultural education, sustainable agriculture, technology, and holistic health.
“Our program, Black to Our Roots, selects high schoolers to train for a year, travel, participate in fundraising initiatives, and learn about African culture through our services,” said Myers.
Habesha’s sustainable agriculture project, based in Atlanta, Georgia, began with a garden initiative that attracted local youth. This initiative led to the creation of the Sustainable Seeds Program in 2004. The program integrated school subjects such as math, science, and art into gardening and expanded in 2010 to include adults and families.
Myers, who is traveling from Ghana to be this year’s guest speaker, first visited the U.S. Virgin Islands Feb. 20, 2009. During that visit, a local Virgin Islander applied to join the Black to Our Roots Program and was eager to find ways to connect the Virgin Islands with Habesha’s mission. Myers spoke at the University of the Virgin Islands and local high schools, educating students and community members about the purpose-driven work of Habesha Inc.
After his 2009 visit, Myers was approached by two Virgin Islanders at the 2024 Black Urban Growers conference in Houston, Texas. They requested that he speak at the 26th Annual Bordeaux Vegan Food Fair. “I was greeted by Sister B and Sister Benita, who were very familiar with my work. When they asked me to be the 2025 keynote speaker, I was honored,” Myers said.
This year’s fair theme is “Revive Agriculture,” and many vendors will display ways they are working to support this cause through food, crafts, and entertainment. “In the past, agriculture was viewed as low on the hierarchy, along with certain jobs such as farming and teaching. It’s time these professions are placed higher on that hierarchy. There is a need to repair the relationship between the people, the Earth, and the celestial world. We must utilize nutrients to heal the Earth and learn how to sustain it,” Myers explained.
Myers plans to spread the teachings of Habesha Inc. throughout Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania and the Caribbean by connecting with families and supporting similar initiatives.
“One thing I want the youth in the Habesha program to remember is to stay focused on the overall vision and dream. Each person has value. The more you live in your purpose, the happier you will become. And always persevere despite challenges—everything is connected,” said Myers.
The 26th Annual Agricultural and Cultural Bordeaux Vegan Food Fair will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight. The event will celebrate the Farmer of the Year, Crowie “WAILER” Francis, and introduce keynote speaker Myers.
Presented by We Grow Food Inc., the fair will feature locally grown fruits and vegetables, agriculture demonstrations, arts and crafts, vegan food, local drinks, and homegrown entertainment — all highlighting the theme, “Revive Agriculture 2025.”
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