Working Side By Side Creating A Community Of Hope And Purpose…

Bennu Gardens began as a project as part of the CEJS University of Light's mission in 2014 in Charlotte, NC. The project began with two 6’X12’ raised beds in uptown Charlotte. It was a small, intergenerational community of people from diverse races and backgrounds, working side by side in growing, harvesting, marketing and distributing food to the hungry.

We have grown enthusiastically and now farm in several urban and rural locations in the greater Charlotte area, and have expanded to become a multiphase community garden development program at the Historic Savona Mill in the West End. With the help of dedicated volunteers and local farmers, we donate a substantial amount of produce to local food programs, operate youth led farmers’ markets and work to increase healthy food access and security to underserved neighborhoods throughout Charlotte.

In the process of growing food together, we have created a community which bridges the city and farmland, is respectful and productive, and models hope and purpose. We teach how one can love the land and its bounty and how to care for and respect the rich matrix of life to which we all belong. In doing this, we as individuals and as a society grow and develop in healthy and sustainable ways.

The History of our name

The "Bennu" Bird, with its power, grace and beauty is the symbol of Bennu Gardens, illustrating and the resurrection, renewal and rebirth of the community it serves. The Bennu Bird is derived from the root Bn, which means ‘ascension’ or ‘to rise’; it is also thought that it comes from the root word "weben" meaning ‘to shine’ or ‘shining’. The Greeks knew the Egyptian Bennu Bird as the Phoenix, a legendary bird without parents and offspring, it nurtured itself on sunlight and sea spray. Brilliant in appearance, its feathers were gold, red and white;  its eyes were green as the sea. A semi-immortal being, the Phoenix had a lifespan of 500 years and when about to die, it drew new life from the primal elements of fire and water and was born again. It would build its nest in the form of a funeral pyre and a single clap of its wings would ignite it. Then, when consumed by the flames, a young Phoenix would arise from its own ashes. 

Bennu Gardens was also created in honor of Ceasar Edward James Singleton (1994-2010). His vision and message of , “climb to the top…as a whole we will be strong,”, served an the catalyst for creating Bennu Gardens. We honor Ceasar’s memory and continue to make his dream for a united, progressive community to come true.