April 7th 2024.
The city of Detroit is facing a heartbreaking situation as their only cider mill, Detroit Farm & Cider, is in danger of closing permanently due to a legal battle. The mill, owned by Leandra King, is not only a beloved spot for cider milling, but it is also the only Black-owned cider mill in the entire United States.
Unfortunately, King is currently facing criminal charges for owning livestock without proper permits, as reported by WXYZ. She owns a beautiful five-acre property where the mill is located, and she also raises animals on the land. However, obtaining the necessary permits to run her business has been a challenging and frustrating process. Despite reaching out to zoning officials for help, King has not been successful in obtaining the proper certification. As a result, the company has been forced to temporarily close its doors, as stated on their Facebook page.
King's journey to becoming a successful business owner has not been an easy one. She had a difficult upbringing, spending time in foster homes and juvenile detention centers. But through her passion for farming and cider milling, she has been able to pave a better path for herself.
In an interview, King shared, "I just did some soul searching and realized that nature is where I belong." However, her entire livelihood is now at risk as the city has refused to re-zone her property and allow her to reopen. Despite her efforts, the city has not provided any reason for their refusal.
Her attorney, Matthew Dupree, expressed his confusion and frustration, stating, "I have no comprehension of why the city is so determined to shut down this woman." If found guilty, King could face up to 90 days in jail and two years of probation. She is determined to fight the charges and is willing to risk her business, as well as leaving her children behind, if necessary. Despite the potential consequences, local Black Lives Matter organizations continue to show their support for "Farmer Lee."
When asked why she continues to fight the legal battle, King responded, "Because this is what saved my life. This is what stopped me from going down dark paths. In my experience, when you're doing the right thing, things work out."
However, the Detroit Corporation Counsel stands firm on their stance. "City of Detroit ordinances cannot be ignored simply because the person violating the ordinance is well-intentioned," stated Conrad Mallet of the Counsel. "In the past, Animal Control has had to remove horses, goats, and other animals from the property. We have a population of roughly 650,000 people, and the people who live near the property have rights. They have the right to enjoy their homes without the disturbance of animal smells and noise. Continual violation of our ordinances could result in consequences such as fines and jail time. We must protect the rights of all citizens."
Despite this, the Counsel refused to comment on whether or not there have been any complaints against Detroit Farm & Cider. In the meantime, King continues to sacrifice her own well-being for the sake of her passion.
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