Arthur Burton is a community activist working to improve the health, quality of life, and financial well-being of groups in marginalized communities. He shares his vision to bring food justice and bridge the gaps of inequality in Richmond through his organization, Kinfolk Community Empowerment Center.

Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Art Burton was raised here in Richmond. He plants a two-acre farm once purchased by his great, great grandfather in Chesterfield County in 1896. After working with the United States Air Force, he started his own landscaping and home improvement business, Pro Home Services, and has held a number of professional positions in community and environmental development throughout Richmond.

As the Founder and Director of Kinfolk Community Empowerment Center, Art Burton reads between the lines of poverty and despair to see where there are possibilities and opportunities that could improve the lives of local residents. Through the nonprofit organization, Art takes a holistic, grassroots approach to community action in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods around Richmond, and believes in the power of organizing and empowering the members of such marginalized communities to do the work of enacting change.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx