Sankofa Roots: How Kamal Bell Is Redefining Farming, Education, and Purpose
Kamal Bell ’14 was never just interested in farming. He was drawn to transformation.
At 34, Bell stands at the helm of Sankofa Farms, a 12-acre regenerative farm in Orange County, North Carolina, where rows of vibrant vegetables, buzzing beehives and bright minds grow side by side. While leafy greens and fresh honey fill baskets, Bell’s true harvest consists of opportunity, identity and liberation.
Raised in Durham, North Carolina, Bell’s fascination with nature and animals took root early, nurtured by countless hours lost in books about biology and the natural world. That curiosity eventually led him to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University—one of the nation’s premier historically Black universities—where he pursued a degree in animal science. It was there that he also met his future wife, Amber Bell ’15, who pursued a degree in elementary education. Immersed in hands-on learning at research farms and guided by the wisdom of Black farmers and mentors, Bell began to see agriculture as far more than a profession. It became a personal mission—deeply intertwined with heritage, resilience, and the power of self-determination.
Bell’s path led him to the classroom, where he taught environmental and agricultural science to middle school students in Durham. There, he witnessed firsthand how young people, especially Black youth, lit up when engaging with nature. That realization shaped what would become the vision for Sankofa Farms.
In 2016, Bell turned vision into action. He purchased a modest parcel of land in Cedar Grove and founded Sankofa Farms. The name comes from the Akan language of Ghana, meaning “go back and get it.” The concept of Sankofa — retrieving what was lost to carry it forward — became the farm’s guiding principle. Here, farming intersects with education, culture and healing.
Sankofa Farms functions as a multi-layered ecosystem. The farm produces a variety of fruits and vegetables—from kale and collards to tomatoes and watermelon. Ten beehives produce both honey and an understanding of ecology, collaboration and care. These hives support the farm’s broader educational work, which includes on-site, and virtual beekeeping programs designed to teach sustainable practices and reconnect people with nature.
Among the youngest beekeepers at the farm is Akeem, the son of Bell himself. What began as a fear of bees soon transformed into fascination, nurtured by the steady guidance of his father. Now just 8 years old, Akeem plays an active role in the farm’s daily routines—tending to hives with care and confidence well beyond his years.
His remarkable journey from apprehension to expertise became the inspiration behind Akeem Keeps Bees!, a collaborative children’s book that blends education with vibrant illustrations. Designed to captivate young readers, the book not only demystifies the beekeeping process but also encourages children to explore science and agriculture in an approachable, hands-on way.
Bell reflects on the project with pride, saying, “We’re showing how our story can inspire others. It’s a science-based approach—and it’s actually the first children’s book of its kind. It teaches kids how to keep bees in a fun, practical way.”
Similarly, the heart of Sankofa Farms beats most strongly through its youth education initiative: the Sankofa Agricultural Academy. On weekends and during school breaks, the farm becomes a hub for young Black boys, many from nearby under-resourced communities. These students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that blends STEM education with practical agricultural training and cultural history. They leave with certifications, hands-on experience and a deepened sense of identity and purpose.
Sankofa is more than a farm—it’s a school, a movement, and a way forward. Rooted in the belief that true liberation begins with reconnecting to the land, reclaiming knowledge, and rebuilding community, Sankofa stands as a living testament to what’s possible when people are empowered to grow, learn, and lead.
At the heart of this vision is Bell, whose mission isn’t to mend broken systems, but to build new ones—systems that uplift, educate, and nourish both body and spirit. His journey redefines what success looks like, offering a purpose-driven blueprint grounded in service and self-determination.
“When I became a certified beekeeper,” Bell recalls, “I didn’t see anyone who looked like me. So, my wife became certified. Then four students from our farm program—Black males—also became certified. This isn’t the image we’re usually shown, so we set out to change that. We wanted to see representation, but more importantly, to educate our community about agriculture.”
Sankofa Farms stands as a reminder that impact doesn’t always come from traditional paths. Sometimes it comes from the soil — from getting your hands dirty and building something lasting from the ground up. Bell’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when purpose meets action and when education is rooted in truth.
By: Deja Huggins
Media contact information: dhuggins2@ncat.edu
