Duron Chavis
Happily Natural Day
Founder and Director
Duron Chavis is a part of numerous innovative, impactful, and culturally conscious urban agriculture projects that prioritize local food systems. Chavis began his journey in community advocacy by founding the Happily Natural Day festival, a grassroots event that calls attention to issues around cultural, health, wellness, and social change. In 2009, he launched the Richmond Noir Market, a Saturday farmer’s market aimed at serving low-income Richmond communities designated as food deserts by the USDA. By 2012, he had established his first community garden, which paved the way for the creation of urban farms, orchards, vineyards, and initiatives in poverty mitigation, workforce development, health, and racial equity.
Recognized with numerous accolades, Chavis served as a Clean Air Ambassador for Earthjustice and the Hip Hop Caucus in 2011. He is an alumnus of Leadership Metro Richmond’s class of 2011, and received Style Weekly’s Top 40 under 40 award in 2010, as well as being listed in the Style Weekly Power List in 2014 and 2015. Chavis was the inaugural director of the Harding Street Urban Ag Center, transforming a recreation center into an indoor farm for VSU. He also served as the first Community Engagement Manager for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Currently, Chavis is the director of The Happily Natural Day.
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