OPINION: We gon’ be alright: Thriving through self-sufficiency 

By Selika Sweet, M.D.

JA Guest Writer

The Dow Jones is tumbling, federal layoffs are rising, and economic uncertainty casts a long shadow. Yet, my paternal grandmother spoke of The Great Depression with quiet confidence: “We lived off the land. We weren’t affected at all.” 

Her words remind us that absolute security isn’t found in stock markets or government jobs but in self-sufficiency. In the Southeastern states, where the land is fertile, and the growing season long, the ability to sustain oneself isn’t just history; it’s an attainable, necessary reality. 

  The Power of Urban Agriculture 

In Black communities like Jackson, Mississippi, vacant lots and abandoned land – left behind in the wake of white flight – hold untapped potential. With knowledge, tools, and intention, these neglected spaces can be transformed into thriving urban farms. 

The South’s warm climate allows for year-round cultivation, while its rivers, lakes, and coastline offer a steady source of fish. These natural resources not only provide sustenance but reconnect us with traditions that sustained our ancestors. 

Now is the time to reclaim these skills. April marks the season for planting – corn, tomatoes, and watermelons, staples of the Magnolia State, flourish in its rich soil. 

Good Friday signals the time to plant, and by July 4th, the harvest is ready as watermelons ripen under the summer sun, offering a taste of resilience. 

As fall arrives, pecan trees – plentiful in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana – begin to bear fruit. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, these nuts have nourished generations before us, proving that abundance is found in the earth itself.  

Sustainable, Affordable Living 

Self-sufficiency extends beyond crops. A small flock of chickens can revolutionize a household’s food security, providing fresh eggs and sustainable meat with minimal upkeep. 

At the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo at The Trademart Center, I saw a prefabricated cottage priced at just $30,000 – a reminder  independent, affordable housing is not just a dream but a practical reality. 

With clean water, fertile land, and the right mindset, self-reliance is not only possible, it’s within reach. 

  True Wealth Beyond Money 

There is a Universal God, and wealth isn’t measured in dollars – it’s in the sun, soil, and water that sustain us. These gifts have been provided before, and they will be provided again. 

No matter what the challenges ahead, one truth remains: 

With land, knowledge, and the right mindset, as Kendrick Lamar – the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist – reminds us: 

“We gon’ be alright.”