Rooted in Community: UFI Celebrates the Legacy of Pat Spence

On June 18, the Urban Farming Institute welcomed community members, partners, elected officials, funders, staff, volunteers, and friends to the historic Fowler Clark Epstein Farm for Rooted in Community, a celebration honoring founding President & CEO Pat Spence and her extraordinary leadership.

For more than a decade, Pat has helped shape UFI into a leading voice for urban agriculture, food justice, and community empowerment in Boston. The afternoon was a joyful reflection of the relationships she has cultivated, the lives she has impacted, and the community she has helped grow.

A Community Comes Together

The celebration welcomed guests to the farm for an afternoon of food, reggae music, storytelling, and gratitude. Community members joined longtime partners, elected officials, staff, board members and supporters to recognize Pat’s lasting contributions to Boston’s local food system.

Guests enjoyed Jamaican cuisine featuring fresh lettuce from UFI farms and fresh, tropical flavors of Popsicools popsicles while reconnecting with one another in the place Pat has helped cultivate as a gathering space for the community.

Special Honors from Massachusetts, the City of Boston, and Boston City Councilors

Some of the afternoon’s most memorable moments came when not just one, but two days were named in honor of Pat in the City of Boston. Shani Fletcher, Director of GrowBoston, read a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Michelle Wu that named June 30 “Patricia Spence Day” in the City of Boston. Minutes later, City Councilor Julia Mejia noted how special Pat is before she read a resolution on behalf of the Boston City Council that named June 18 “Pat Spence Day” in the City of Boston. Rose Arruda of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) read a Certificate of Appreciation in honor of Pat from the Commissioner of Agriculture, Ashley Randle. City Councilor Enrique Pepén read a citation on behalf of the Boston City Council in gratitude and recognition of Pat’s years of leadership.

The elected officials’ many acknowledgements recognized Pat’s dedication and hard work to make the local food system more equitable, resilient, and more sustainable, and for making urban agriculture and fresh, healthy food more accessible throughout Boston. State Rep Russell Holmes and a representative from City Councilor Brian Worrell’s office were also in attendance.

Additional Words of Gratitude

The program featured heartfelt remarks from UFI Board Chair Shadé Solomon, returning board member Glynn Lloyd, and UFI leader Tristram Keefe. Together, they reflected on Pat’s unwavering commitment to community despite real setbacks along the way, her ability to bring people together, and the lasting impact she has made on UFI and the neighborhoods it serves.

Music, Culture, and Community

Throughout the afternoon, live music filled the farm as guests celebrated together. The performances by The Ghetto People Band reflected the spirit of the day and honored Pat’s Jamaican heritage while creating space for joy, connection, and celebration.

A Lasting Tribute

As part of the celebration, UFI unveiled a permanent tribute recognizing Pat’s leadership and lasting contributions to the organization. A plaque naming “The Spence Arts and Culture Patio” will soon be installed in a space that comes alive with music and art at UFI Farm Stand Fridays.

The UFI Family

The celebration concluded with the UFI team gathering in front of the historic Fowler Clark Epstein Farm, wearing commemorative “Rooted in Community” pink t-shirts created in Pat’s honor.

The moment captured what has always been at the heart of UFI: people working together to grow food, build community, and create opportunities for future generations.

Looking Ahead

While we celebrated Pat’s remarkable legacy, we also looked toward UFI’s future. As Amber Valbrun steps into the role of President & CEO, the organization remains committed to building and strengthening a healthy local food system through urban farming, education, and community engagement.

The roots Pat helped establish will continue to grow for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Pat, sharing memories, and helping to make the day so special. We are deeply grateful to our community for honoring a leader whose impact will continue to be felt across Boston for generations.