For three days a year, Washington D.C. gets green…and leafy. 

Inspired by Earth Day and the potential to create positive change, a collective of young Black creatives focused on dismantling systemic barriers for people of color by creating Broccoli City, a festival in the nation’s capital that blends music with environmental justice. 

Originally a sustainable t-shirt company,  Broccoli City was founded in 2008 by Brandon McEachern and close friend Marcus Allen in response to the prevalence of food deserts and a lack of health and sustainability education within their local communities. The pair aimed to bring awareness to better alternatives through witty, hip slogans like “organic and fly,” printed on a line of 100% organic cotton T-shirts. 

Eventually, it became apparent that Broccoli City had more to offer the world than trendy tees. Thus, McEachern and Allen decided to leverage their platform and plant roots in the soil.

By 2013, the duo joined forces with Darryl Perkins and Jermon Williams, expanding Broccoli City into a multidimensional music festival that educates and encourages healthier, sustainable communities of color.

“We are emphasizing all things sustainable, from a personal standpoint like loving who you are, being your organic self and connecting that to food,” co-founder Jermon Williams tells Replate. 

Broccoli City Festival is a three-day event fusing music with fitness activities, speaking engagements, and various community service opportunities. The program echoes the nonprofit's mission to uplift urban communities through education and example.

“We have to look at the different types of culture that we (communities of color) are into,” Williams explains. “So the arts, sneakers and hip hop music in general, were things that moved us and we made sure that those elements and different cultural touch points were clear and evident in everything we did.”

He adds, “We also understood the power of music and art and its ability to connect people and bring people out. We felt like if we could use music as a way to reach people, we could then also spread our messaging about eating cleaner, community service and self improvement.” 

Aside from hosting big name artists such as 21 Savage, Miguel, Future and Cardi B, Broccoli City tries to include new and upcoming musicians, giving them a hand in putting their name out to a large audience.

Williams notes, “It’s not just about the headliner, but filling the line up with artists across the board. A part of that is touching what's current, talking to kids, talking to family members, talking to everybody to better understand what folks are listening to.” 

Similarly, the festival puts a spotlight on artwork produced by artists such as Demont Peekaso, Mas Paz and One Love Massive, and hosts Broccoli Con, a conference featuring  inspiring members of the community along with government leaders .

“Our panel discussions focus on topics that cover each of our pillars: Black wellness;  financial literacy; professional career development; and technology, startups and small business,” Williams says.

Throughout the weekend, Broccoli City gets attendees on their feet in more ways than one. During Fit Fest, guests are encouraged to participate in a variety of physical activities, from a 5K run, to live yoga sessions and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). 

Overall, the festival draws about 45,000 people, and will take place this year from May 6th- 8th, celebrating its 10-year anniversary.  

In many ways, Broccoli City’s initial goal has already been achieved. Williams says, “We are promoting ways in which we can broaden our organic footprint, trying to bridge the gap between the sustainable green community and the Black community.”

Learn more about Broccoli City Festival here!

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