About
Beekeeping While Black is a community-driven online platform founded by Karyn Bigelow in 2022 with the mission of diversifying the beekeeping industry by connecting, supporting, and empowering Black apiarists across the United States. The platform addresses a clear gap in representation within beekeeping communities, providing culturally relevant resources and peer connections that traditional beekeeping associations have historically failed to offer. At its core, the platform hosts virtual seminars covering a wide range of topics including the economics of beekeeping, its mental health benefits, and practical guidance tailored to the unique experiences of Black beekeepers. Bigelow also compiled the 'Honey Book,' a comprehensive state-by-state directory of Black beekeepers, serving as a vital networking and reference tool. One of the platform's flagship offerings is a yearlong mentorship program for novice Black beekeepers, limited to 15 new members per cohort. This program pairs newcomers with experienced Black beekeepers in their local area while also fostering an online cohort community for shared learning and mutual support during the early stages of each member's beekeeping journey. Beekeeping While Black is ideal for aspiring and experienced Black beekeepers seeking community, culturally informed guidance, and professional resources. It represents a broader movement to make agriculture and environmental stewardship more inclusive and accessible.
Key Features
- Virtual Seminars: Regularly hosted online seminars covering topics like beekeeping economics, mental health benefits, and culturally specific practical challenges.
- The Honey Book Directory: A curated, state-by-state directory of Black beekeepers across the United States to facilitate networking and local connections.
- Yearlong Mentorship Program: A structured mentorship program pairing novice Black beekeepers with experienced mentors in their region, with cohorts of up to 15 new members.
- Online Cohort Community: An online community model that allows Black apiarists to support each other collaboratively throughout the early stages of their beekeeping journeys.
Use Cases
- A beginner Black beekeeper in Atlanta joins the mentorship cohort to learn foundational skills from an experienced mentor in their city while building friendships with peers in the online group.
- An experienced Black apiarist uses the Honey Book directory to locate fellow Black beekeepers in neighboring states for collaboration and honey market networking.
- A Black beekeeper attends a virtual seminar to better understand the economic potential of turning beekeeping into a small business.
- A community organizer discovers Beekeeping While Black as a resource to introduce urban agriculture and beekeeping to young Black adults in their neighborhood.
- A researcher studying diversity in agriculture references the platform's resources and directory to understand the landscape of Black apiarists in the United States.
Pros
- Culturally Relevant Support: Provides guidance and community tailored to the specific experiences of Black beekeepers, filling a gap left by mainstream beekeeping associations.
- Structured Mentorship: The yearlong mentorship program offers deep, sustained learning alongside experienced Black beekeepers in participants' own communities.
- Free and Accessible: The platform and its core resources are freely available, lowering barriers to entry for aspiring Black apiarists.
Cons
- Limited Cohort Size: The mentorship program only accepts up to 15 new members at a time, which may create waitlists and limit access for interested participants.
- U.S.-Focused: The platform and its directory are currently centered on Black beekeepers within the United States, limiting its reach for an international audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Beekeeping While Black for?
It is designed for Black beekeepers of all experience levels across the United States — from complete beginners to seasoned apiarists looking to connect with a like-minded community.
How does the mentorship program work?
New members are paired with experienced Black beekeepers in their local area for a full year. Cohorts are limited to 15 members and also participate in an online group to foster peer community.
What is the Honey Book?
The Honey Book is a directory of Black beekeepers organized by U.S. state, compiled by founder Karyn Bigelow to help members find and connect with peers in their region.
What topics do the virtual seminars cover?
Seminars cover a range of subjects including the economics of beekeeping, mental health benefits of the practice, and culturally specific challenges faced by Black beekeepers.
Is Beekeeping While Black free to use?
Yes, the platform is free, making its resources, directory, and community accessible to Black beekeepers regardless of financial means.
