12/14/2025
From Enslavement to Ownership: Patrick Brown’s Remarkable Journey
Patrick Brown, a fourth-generation farmer, now owns the very land in Warren County, North Carolina, where his ancestors were once enslaved. The Oakley Grove Plantation, once built on their forced labor, is now a thriving agricultural enterprise under his leadership.
Brown Family Farms, established in 1865, spans 165 acres of family land and 150 leased acres. Patrick’s great-grandfather, Byron Brown, went from sharecropper to landowner, paving the way for future generations. After earning a business degree and working in federal government, Patrick returned home to shift the farm from to***co to industrial h**p and specialty crops.
Now, he’s transforming the plantation into an agritourism hub, providing education for future farmers, training programs, and event spaces. Partnering with companies like Patagonia, he advocates for sustainability and BIPOC farmer development.
For Brown, reclaiming this land isn’t just about farming—it’s about rewriting history. The plantation that once symbolized oppression now stands as a beacon of empowerment, proving that true legacy is built through resilience and vision.