Tannur "SheWrightz" Ali, a multifaceted artist, activist, and farmer, has been sowing seeds of change and inspiration in her community since her early years. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Ali discovered her passion for poetry at eight and began performing at 11. By 14, she had self-published her first chapbook, "Rhymin' with Reason," demonstrating her early dedication to the craft.
As the founder of iLOGIC™ (Institute for the Love Of Genius In Community), Ali has made it her mission to create spaces and opportunities for people to connect with their community and engage in self-realization. Her work as a Social Artist encompasses her roles as a poet, home-schooling mother, gardener, cook, and Community Mom, all of which she uses to guide others on the path of self-realization.
According to the iLOGIC website, in 2014, Ali and her mother, Njemile Ali, established iLOGIC as a local community association in Albany, GA. What began as "The Neighbors' Initiative," aimed at engaging the 215 homes in their community, quickly grew into a library and community gathering space. However, a fire in January 2016 prompted Ali to embark on an 18-month world-schooling adventure with her three children, dubbed "The Where Is Home Project."
This transformative experience laid the groundwork for a new life of service on a global scale. In 2018, with the support of family and friends, Ali purchased five acres of land in Eutaw, Alabama, a county known for its strong Black community and land acquired through reparations. This land became the new home for iLOGIC, a 5-acre community gathering space and education initiative, and a place to build a community gathering space and education initiative. iLOGIC is dedicated to creating a prosperous global community through sustainability, creativity, and authentic relationship-building principles.
As a Black woman in the predominantly white, male-dominated field of agriculture, Ali has faced numerous challenges. In an interview with Hemp Industry Daily in 2021, she shared, "My first couple of years of farming were spent proving myself. People expected me to fail and move back home." Despite securing a hemp license, Ali was unable to plant due to the high costs associated with growing the crop. She also spoke about the isolation she felt as a woman farmer, stating, "The most challenging thing (about) being a woman farmer is the loneliness because women farmers are so few and far between."
Despite these obstacles, Ali remains optimistic and dedicated to her craft. Her administration and community work background has given her an advantage in navigating the complexities of farming and following the law. As a trailblazer for Black women in agriculture, Ali's perseverance and commitment to her community inspire future generations of women farmers.
Through her poetry, activism, and farming, Tannur "SheWrightz" Ali continues cultivating a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and community-building. As the demographics in agriculture slowly shift, women like Ali are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the field.
Tannur and her farm are the subject of a Thriving Communities documentary film series coming out this fall. Subscribe to our website for updates.
References:
iLOGIC website: officialilogic.org
Tannur SheWrightz Ali personal website: shewrightz.wordpress.com
Hemp Industry Daily article: Hemp Industry Daily
World Dream Day feature: World Dream Day