WESTTOWN — A hateful message recently was etched at a Black farmer’s barn. On August 4, an eight-foot swastika was discovered spray painted on a barn floor at FarmerJawn’s, at Westtown School, which is located at 1225 E. Street Road.
FarmerJawn’s Christa Barfield expects to have the farm certified organic by the Fall of 2025. The farm and farmer’s market is owned and leased to Barfield by Westtown School. During a Wednesday morning phone interview, Barfield said that she was likely attacked with racial and anti-sematic slurs due to her race and gender.
“It’s an area plagued with racist antics in the past, and West Chester as a whole,” Barfield said. “This is not new to this area. “We have dealt with racism in the past.
It’s just a reminder that in 2024 this still exists. Hate still exists.” Barfield said that her team is a “melting pot” and “what America looks like.
” Westtown-East Goshen Police reported via the Crime Watch website that an “in-depth investigation” is ongoing and the department is working with the victim, the administration at Westtown School and the school’s security office, while investigating “the crime and intended target.” Police reported that patrols have increase to deter any further criminal activity. Through a release, Barfield reported that in April compost, tools and electronics, were stolen and vandals attacked the retail store.
Later that month, a shed was broken into and a bookshelf was destroyed. In early May, Barfield’s team found graffiti spray painted on the barn, with racial and anti-sematic slurs. “I’m shocked, appalled, and beyond disappointed that these kinds of things are still happening in our country today,” Barfield said.
“Only love grows at FarmerJawn, and we have no place for hate here. “We have no tolerance for any of this, and are working closely with law enforcement to find the culprits. Everyone at the Westtown School is against hate and fully supports what we are doing and what we stand for.
” Barfield said that the attacks were unnerving and hurtful but work continues. “Organic food is a requirement and not a luxury.” she said.
When asked about hate crimes, Dr. Brenda M. Bernot, Chief of Police of the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department, released the following statement Wednesday afternoon: “Although both national and state statistics regarding hate crimes have indicated an increase in the reporting of these crimes over the last several years, the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department has not experienced a similar trend.
During the last five years, the police department has consistently received an average of 1 report of Ethnic Intimidation (the Pennsylvania statute addressing hate crime) each year. “When a heinous crime of this type occurs, the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department truly views the offense as a very serious crime. As a result, it utilizes all available investigative measures and resources in an effort to identify and charge the individuals who have engaged in a hate crime.
In the investigation which targeted Farmer Jawn, the police department continues to pursue all leads that are developed and has taken additional steps to prevent future incidents of vandalism – including enhanced patrols and close collaboration with the Westtown School Security and Safety Office.” Police: “It is important for all of our residents to understand that hate crimes have not only a significant societal impact, but also an intense, long-term, and deeply personal impact on the victims. The Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department is working closely with Ms.
Barfield and her entire team to ensure that they have confidence in our efforts to identify the responsible party or parties and hold them accountable for their actions.” Anyone with information regarding the investigation is encouraged to contact the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department at 610-692-9600. As a result of these incidents, Barfield is organizing an “Only Love Grows Here” community popup event at the farm on Saturday, August 24 between 9 a.
m. and 3 p.m.
to provide an opportunity for members of the community “to stand with Farmer Jawn and her team against hate and in support of the shared message that Only Love Grows at FarmerJawn,” reads the release. The event will feature tours of the farm, a Q&A with Christa Barfield, who was just awarded a prestigious James Beard Foundation Leadership Award in June, conversations with local elected officials, staff introductions (team leaders will introduce their roles and responsibilities on the farm and in the Farmer Jawn organization), and U-Pick flowers & bouquet wrapping to provide community members with the opportunity to take something beautiful away from the gathering. Learn more about FarmerJawn by visiting http://farmerjawnphilly.
com..
