The Black Urban Growers (BUGS) Conference in Houston delivered substantial professional development and networking opportunities for Kentucky's urban agriculture practitioners, positioning them at the forefront of agricultural innovation and community development. The Kentucky participants received advanced insights into urban agriculture methodologies through comprehensive knowledge transfer sessions. By establishing a robust national network of urban agriculture professionals, delegates expanded their strategic connections across the region.

Furthermore, the delegation enhanced Kentucky's market positioning and visibility within the urban agricultural ecosystem, solidifying their role as leaders in urban agriculture. Farm tours kicked off the event, followed by a film screening and Q&A. The evening mixer created a great buzz of energy for the following day of back-to-back presentations. "Sistah Seeds" hosted a seed exchange, while a vegan lunch was served. That evening ended with a social market—complete with a mechanical bull and food trucks, celebrating community connections.

The conference's heartbeat was a powerful presentation by Louisville's own Tay G., who unpacked the city's complex history of redlining. Through a lens of historical analysis, Tay revealed how the nation’s first city planners weaponized design to systematically marginalize Black communities. Attendees sat transfixed, understanding and relating his work with Louisville to their own urban cities.

Many left feeling excited to get back into their own cities to organize and collaborate with people in the region. It was a huge step on the path of bringing change to the community.