Humanities Symposium
2026 Humantities Symposium February 17-20, 2026
Theme: Food & Culture
Humanities Symposium Lecture:
Keynote Speaker – Christa Barfield, AKA FarmerJawn
Keynote Address: "Agriculture is the Culture: How the FarmerJawn Formula Equates to a Life Well Lived"
- Date: February 19, 2026
- Location: Parmer Hall, Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts
- Time: 7:00 pm
- Cost: Free tickets are required for this event. To reserve, please contact Messiah University Box Office at 717-691-6036 option #1 or online at messiah.edu/tickets.
Christa Barfield, AKA FarmerJawn, is a healthcare professional turned regenerative farmer, entrepreneur, and advocate for food justice. Her work has positioned her as a national leader in the movement toward sustainable, organic, and regenerative food systems. Managing 128 acres across three counties in Pennsylvania, she is also the largest Black food grower in the state. Her mission extends beyond farming — she is reshaping the conversation around nutrition security, land stewardship, and the vital role of Black farmers in the food system. A James Beard Award winner, Christa’s influence reaches far beyond the fields. She speaks nationally on the intersection of agriculture, public health, and economic justice, advocating for policies that prioritize a Farm First approach to food production and healthcare. Her work is a living testament to the belief that Food is Medicine, and she continues to inspire a new generation of farmers, policymakers, and food industry leaders to rethink how food is grown, distributed, and valued.