Cultivating Change Through Urban Agriculture

Charles Madlock is a graphic designer, entrepreneur, and community leader hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, with a passion for empowering others through innovation and creativity. Now based in Syracuse, New York, Charles’ journey into urban agriculture began in a backyard garden where he cultivated cucumbers, tomatoes, and watermelons. What started as a personal hobby soon blossomed into a life-changing mission: to bring the tools of farming into schools and homes while providing the community with tangible pathways toward resilience and food sovereignty.

“In farming, I found something concrete that I could take back to my community. It wasn’t just talk about change—it was real, material transformation,” Charles reflects. This drive has shaped his work and led to countless opportunities to advocate for equitable food systems and innovative agricultural practices.

Before serving as the Urban Agriculture Coordinator for Refugee and Immigrants Self Empowerment (RISE), Charles completed the Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming’s pilot BIPOC Farmer Training Program. This immersive six-month experience in Ithaca’s food system solidified his commitment to enhancing food security, educating others about agriculture, and building bridges within his community.

As a National Young Farmers Fellow, Charles has taken his advocacy to the national stage, championing the inclusion of small farmers and urban agriculture innovation in the 2023 Farm Bill. His work extends across all levels of government and diverse farming conferences, intertwining his passion for systemic change with actionable solutions. Charles also chaired the Urban Agriculture Committee for Black Farmers United New York, where he educated and guided Black system stakeholders across the state, further cementing his role as a leader in the field.

Currently, Charles runs the Sow and Grow Scholar program as part of Nourish Syracuse and provides urban agriculture consulting through his business, Golden Carat Farms. These efforts reflect his long-term vision to use urban agriculture as a tool to redistribute wealth, foster economic empowerment, and cultivate lasting food sovereignty in Syracuse and beyond.

When he’s not working to transform his community, Charles enjoys gardening, caring for his plants, reading, or exploring the great outdoors. His dedication to the well-being of others and the environment serves as a testament to his belief in the power of connection, collaboration, and growth—both in the soil and in society.

Read More: 

I want to grow food for my community. 2023 Farm Bill can help - Syracuse.com

Black urban farmers in Erie and beyond hold the seeds of change, help them flourish - Erie Times-News