Local Farm Responds After Accusations Of Racism
CHARLOTTE, NC — It happened at Hall Family Farm near Ballantyne October 3. Kathy Capps wrote on social media that the school field trip to pick pumpkins turned demeaning and racist.
“When they got there, the guide said to them you know you’re not here to pick cotton, you’re not here to pick fruit, today you’re going to pick pumpkins,” said Kathy Capps.
After picking pumpkins, Capps said, “The guide said to the children, you all go sit under those trees until the next lady comes to get you. I know how you all like shade.”
It was a group of primarily black students, Capps says, from Thomosboro Academy.
“And the teachers, at that point, were really upset,” said Capps.
Capps is a school faith volunteer. She says the farm owners laughed and showed no remorse when the school called twice. So, the school asked her to intervene and mitigate an apology.
“They didn’t have an interest in doing that, ” said Capps. “I asked if they would reimburse some of the money as a goodwill gesture. Definitely did not want to do that, and actually accused the school of trying to get money out of them.”
Monday, she wrote that on Facebook, and Hall Family Farm started explaining. Owner Kevin Hall says it used to grow cotton and people can pick strawberries there in the Spring.
“Her initial talk to get the children excited was something like: I’m glad you all aren’t here to go cotton picking or nose picking. You’re here to go pumpkin picking,” said Hall. “It was a stupid choice of words. No way to say it differently.”
He says the shade comment came with teachers showing signs of heat exhaustion
“She called and spoke to an assistant principal at that school, was in tears after that conversation,” said Hall.
“It felt, to the school, that it was forced,” said Capps.
The school district says it found out about the matter Monday and will relate any findings.
Capps says she spoke up for the kids.
“I don’t want this farm to be patronized,” said Capps. “I don’t want our dollars going there.”
