Remembering Melvin Parson (1964-2026)

Melvin Parson at the garden operated by We The People Opportunity Farm, Ypsilanti, Michigan, April 5, 2019. / THF295361

Melvin Parson began his journey as an urban farmer in 2014. He organized We The People Growers Association in 2015 and We The People Opportunity Farm in 2018 — a nonprofit organization that used market gardening to reduce recidivism. The Henry Ford’s Black history curator, Amber Mitchell, explains that We The People Opportunity Farm is an example of justice at the intersections of the environment, economic power, community empowerment, and race. As the farm's goal is to train formerly incarcerated people to urban farm, this work builds access to fresh food in a food desert, while also impacting the lives of the largely Black and Brown communities who live in the area and are affected by the prison system in overwhelming numbers. Additionally, by teaching individuals to be self-sustaining, We The People changes not only the lives of those they train, but their families and surrounding communities as well.

The Henry Ford (THF) learned of Melvin’s commitment to equity and justice at the same time that the William Davidson Foundation Initiative for Entrepreneurship partnered with THF to launch a residency program. THF selected Melvin as the first William Davidson Foundation Entrepreneur in Residence in spring 2019. During the residency, Melvin completed an oral interview. The interview is in the THF collections and segments appear in a curated set featuring key points (completed August 2019).

Melvin Parson during the entrepreneurship interview, April 5, 2019 / THF295355

For six months, Melvin learned from THF staff as he engaged in daily and seasonal agricultural routines as interpreted in Greenfield Village. He gained hands-on experience with draft horses as guided by the William Ford Barn staff. Melvin also learned about sheep as wool producers, and he joined Firestone Farm staff as they hand-sheared the Merino flock during May 2019.

Harnessing a horse at the William Ford Barn, Greenfield Village, April 3, 2019 / THF295443

Ground driving a team at the William Ford Barn, Greenfield Village, April 3, 2019 / THF295479

Sheep shearing at Firestone Farm, Greenfield Village, May 3, 2019. / THF295493

Success comes from shearing a relaxed sheep as Melvin learned by doing at Firestone Farm, Greenfield Village, May 3, 2019. / THF295507

The residency also supported opportunities for Melvin to share his work with a broader audience. During the summer of 2019, he engaged with guests during Maker Faire, helping them plant a small garden in a bag that symbolized commitment to a fresh start.

Melvin Parson and Anita Davis, coordinator of the entrepreneur-in-residence program at the time, during Maker Faire, The Henry Ford, July 27, 2019. / Photograph by Staff of The Henry Ford.

Melvin helping a guest construct a small garden during Marker Faire, July 27, 2019. / Photograph by Staff of The Henry Ford.

The end of the residency marked the beginning of opportunities for engagement. When the Institutional Advancement team launched a new donor society, the Carver-Carson Society, Melvin Parson had a seat at the table. He became a founding charter member and participated in the first Carver-Carson conversation, delivered virtually in August 2020 during the COVID pandemic. Melvin always grounded the conversation by stressing the role of agriculture in building confidence and community.

Brent Embry (left) and Melvin Parson with the new logo for We The People Opportunity Farm, printed on a black T-shirt and sweatshirt, March 2021.

Melvin worked tirelessly to further the goals of We The People Opportunity Farm, and many THF staff supported his cause, as volunteers, neighbors, friends, and donors.

Melvin shared the importance of this work through countless tours, special events, and interviews.

Melvin Parson sharing the WTPOF garden with Jane Fonda, September 2023. / Photograph by staff of The Henry Ford.

The Henry Ford recognized Melvin Parson for this important work by awarding him the first George Washington Carver Prize from THF's Carver Carson Society (September 2023). The prize recognized his leadership in regenerative agriculture and his deep commitment to using farming as a force for opportunity and renewal.

Melvin Parson and We The People Opportunity Farm receiving the first Carver Prize, presented by Patricia Mooradian, The Henry Ford, September 17, 2023. / Photograph by The Henry Ford

Melvin also served as a member of the Kitchen Cabinet, an advisory group for The Henry Ford’s National Farm to School Lunch Across America initiative. Through We The People Opportunity Farm, he partnered directly with The Henry Ford to supply fresh produce for Henry Ford Academy's school lunch program. Overall, Melvin helped to advance the belief that the future of food, agriculture, and education is rooted in stewardship of the land, strong local economies, and nourishing the next generation.

The Henry Ford family mourns the loss of Melvin Parson and is grateful for the partnership, wisdom, and generosity he shared with our community. He led by example as We The People Opportunity Farm offered a place for formerly incarcerated individuals to heal and grow and engage with their communities. This set a standard to be emulated.

Compiled by Debra A. Reid, curator of agriculture and the environment at The Henry Ford.