I met Jenga when she assisted Sankofa Community Development Corporation with the beginnings of what became the Sankofa Farmers Market. That market is in its third iteration now but still, is the only other farmers market besides Crescent City Farmers Market’s three that exists in New Orleans. I know- only 4 in New Orleans? It seems hard to believe…
She struck me then as a serious yet warm young woman who was committed to her community’s health and to leading the good health and well-being of her own family. In other words, I liked her immediately and expected great things.
What she represents in the lower 9 is almost unfathomable to many Americans-one person who is spending her life helping her small, struggling community without any real gain to herself.And doing it in small, quiet ways that rejoice in the re-discovery of the cultural assets of her home.

New Agtivist: Jenga Mwendo grows community in New Orleans | Grist.