Since graduating from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University (NC A&T), husband, father, educator, and farmer have been among the many titles that Kamal Bell has accrued. 

Recently, he added author to that list with the release of his new children’s book, “Akeem Keeps Bees: A Close-Up Look at the Honey Makers and Pollinators of Sankofa Farms.” In it, he invites readers along for the journey with his middle son, Akeem, to explore bees and their impact on everyday life.

Continue reading to learn about how the former teacher is now inspiring the beekeepers of tomorrow.

Laying foundation for those who come behind

Bell, a Durham native, attended NC A&T in 2009. There, he majored in animal industry, primarily focused on food production.

Bell stated that many of his peers aspired to work for the likes of Goldman Sachs or Microsoft. However, he envisioned a different path – one that gets him “involved in the systems that dictate our existence.”

One common question that he has faced numerous times over the years is, “Why do you want to be a poor farmer?” 

Bell’s response is intertwined with the name of his farm, along with his pride in the richness of what he has produced.

Sankofa is derived from the Akan language of Ghana. It symbolizes the proverb, “So wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenki,” meaning, “It is not taboo to go back and fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” Another variation translates to, “Looking to the past to inform the future.”

For Bell, Sankofa means to remember his African ancestry as he moves forward in life. Simultaneously, his heart is invested in building something that will benefit the many generations to come.

Bell believes that owning land is “a necessity for our survival long term.” He further expressed that, thinking 200 years ahead, though he will no longer be here physically to witness it, he desires for his lineage to “see the things I left behind for them.”

After Bell and his wife welcomed their first child into the world, he said, “I’m never going to have my son –Khalil is my oldest son — in a position not to be able to produce and provide for him.”

Bell went on to secure 12 acres of land in Orange County in 2016. Now, he approaches a decade as the founder of Sankofa Farms.

What happened to community centers?

Before acquiring the land, Bell’s first time gardening was in 2013. At that time, his mentor, Wesley Morris, introduced him to the late Rev. Dr. Nelson N. Johnson. 

Johnson was the founding pastor of Faith Community Church and founding co-executive director of The Beloved Community Center of Greensboro. He allowed Bell to start a garden at Beloved.

“I don’t understand why we don’t have any more community centers,” Bell expressed. When reflecting on his time at Beloved, he identified it as one of the few places that is not related to sports where people like him could go to start something new.

Bell’s views on community engagement would ultimately align with the emergence of his beekeeping journey.

From bees to a children’s book

The 1992 horror film “Candyman” features a bee motif tied to the identity of the urban legend’s main character played by the late actor, Tony Todd.

Jokingly, Bell shared that the movie was all he knew about bees initially – “besides the fact that they sting.”

In an effort to engage youth in farming, Bell offered an agricultural academy. One of the participants expressed interest in beekeeping. Thus, in 2019, Bell received his certification in beekeeping. In the years that followed, Bell’s wife and four of the students in the beekeeping program attained certifications as well. 

“I’ve been keeping bees ever since,” he stated. He described it as a meditative practice that allows him to slow down from all the other work he does on the farm.

“It makes you reflect,” he said. “Time stands still. It’s just you and the bees, and you’re just in a zen moment with them.”

Now, Bell is using literature to share about his time with bees. On Feb. 4, 2025, “Akeem Keeps Bees” was released by Storey Publishing.

Accompanied by illustrations from Darnell Johnson, the children’s book explains the science behind beekeeping. Based on their real life journey, the father and son duo answer questions about the life of bees throughout the seasons.

Bell describes bees as “very inquisitive creatures” and worth learning from. He wants kids to know that they don’t have to be scared of bees, but rather “you can be inspired by them.” Additionally, it was particularly important to Bell that Black kids see themselves represented in science-based books. 

Lastly, Bell shared that the worker bee is his favorite because of their constant work and sacrifice for the collective. He admires how different colonies can combine, especially out of necessity to survive –something that Bell believes his community can learn from bees. 

“Akeem Keeps Bees: A Close-Up Look at the Honey Makers and Pollinators of Sankofa Farms” is available now in print and e-book. 

Advice from a farmer: ‘Start with something simple’

Bell views Sankofa Farms as a way to help in the now but also to plant seeds for the future.

“I want us to be able to build community here,” he added. 

In the future, he envisions growing the resources that he has available on the farm. This includes implementing shipping container classrooms, installing a community kitchen, hosting farmers markets, and much more. 

While he is focused on expanding his farming model, he desires for his community to be more informed and engaged in the food production process. 

According to Bell, this can begin in any backyard. His beginner-friendly approach includes creating a simple raised garden bed and getting soil amendments like Happy Frog. 

From there, “Start one crop at a time,” he said.

Bell specifically advises to start with kale or other leafy greens given that they are easy to manage. Additionally, rather than trying to grow the plant from seed, he recommends that beginners purchase starter plants and transplant them into a garden. 

In all, his primary message is that whether through logistics, volunteering, or collaborating with a neighbor, everyone should be part of the food system in some capacity.