Lilith Dorsey
Showing Up for the Land and Self
At Bulbancha Blooms Garden in New Orleans, Lilith Dorsey spends hours each day growing and distributing free produce to underserved BIPOC communities. The work is constant and often physically demanding, especially while managing chronic health issues, but Lilith moves through it with quiet persistence and deep care.
“Self-care allows me to keep going despite numerous challenges and remain positive and committed to my farm,” Lilith says. “It’s easy to get discouraged, but taking much-needed time for self-care always improves my well-being and efficiency.”
Right now, that care is urgent and physical. Lilith is suffering from an infection caused by a failed root canal—an intense and constant pain that’s made it hard to continue tending the land. Medicaid, they explain, won’t cover the extraction, even though it’s medically necessary.
“Healthcare is my biggest self-care need,” they say. “I’m in extreme pain and unable to care for my land effectively.
With support from Real Farmer Care, Lilith will use their grant toward the dental care they need, providing relief that will allow them to return to their fields and the community they feed.
As a BIPOC and disabled farmer, Lilith knows that self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.
“Like they say on the airplanes—we have to put our masks on first,” they reflect.. “Self-care allows us to be the best we can be, allowing us in turn to be better farmers and community members.”
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