The Ypsilanti community is mourning the loss of Melvin Parson, a transformative local leader whose life and work reshaped countless others, who died Thursday, March 5, 2026, at age 61.
Parson is the founder of the We the People Opportunity Farm in Ypsilanti, as well as a community leader in the area.
Parson lived a life marked by both hardship and transformation, and he used his story to uplift others. For 13 years, he experienced homelessness, struggled with addiction, and cycled in and out of prison, the WTPOF website said. His turning point came when he moved into an Avalon Housing community in Ypsilanti that included a shared garden. When the resident who had cared for the garden died, others encouraged Parson to take it over. Though he had no prior experience, he accepted the challenge.
Parson decided to start from the very beginning: the soil. He began by adding compost and nurturing the soil, and was surprised and delighted when in the next season the garden was filled with healthy produce.
This inspired Parson, and he often reflected on gardening as a metaphor for life: good soil produces strong plants. He would say that even a healthy plant can wither in poor soil, while a struggling one can recover in the right conditions, the WTPOF website said. Having considered himself an unhealthy plant, he saw the prison system as poor soil, an environment difficult to grow in, creating a cycle he couldn’t get out of. His work became rooted in breaking that cycle for others.
In 2015, Parson rented a small plot of land from a local church to expand his farming endeavors. In an interview for Ypsilanti District Library’s Ypsi Farmers and Gardeners Oral Project, he recalled growing from a three foot by nine foot vegetable bed to a quarter-acre farm within two years.
“I guess I was just naive enough to forge on,” he said in the interview, remembering his early days navigating farmers markets and trying to figure out what kale and radishes were after being so disconnected from the world for so long.
A few years later, Parson founded We the People Opportunity Farm, a non-profit organization that provides paid internships, life skills and financial literacy training to the formerly incarcerated. The farm has had over 30 interns who help for its nine-month growing season, its website said.
The We the People Opportunity Farm’s website states that “Our No-Cost Food Distribution initiative, launched in 2020, has provided over 35,000 pounds of food to our neighbors at no cost.”
Parson’s legacy continues through the farm and his latest project, The Good Soil Cafe, which is expected to open this spring.
Awards and accomplishments
In 2019, Parson became The Henry Ford’s first William Davidson Entrepreneur-in-Residence, where he helped develop youth programming, workshops and Innovation Labs to encourage young people to become entrepreneurs.
He also was a member of The Henry Ford’s Carver-Carson Society, supporting initiatives in edible education, agriculture and foodways. In 2023, he was honored with the George-Washington Carver Prize, which honors leaders in agriculture innovation and environmental stewardship, said a tribute from The Henry Ford.
Parson and We the People Opportunity Farm also partnered with The Henry Ford to bring fresh produce to The Henry Ford Academy’s school lunch program as a part of the Farm to School Lunch Across America Initiative, the tribute said.
In 2022, Washtenaw Community College honored Parson with the WCC Equity in Action Award, recognizing community members who embody the advocacy, leadership and service exemplified by Martin Luther King Jr., said a statement from the college.
Zingerman’s Roadhouse uses fresh produce from Parson’s farm, and he worked with staff to raise awareness about underrepresented producers, food sustainability and nutrition, said its website.
Shortly after his death, the FECK, Forgiveness Empathy Compassion Kindness awards announced that Parson would receive the 2026 national award for empathy. He will be honored at a ceremony in Chicago on April 4, 2026.
Ypsilanti City Council formally honors Parson
At its March 14, 2026 meeting, the Ypsilanti City Council issued a formal proclamation honoring Parson’s life.
Mayor Brown delivered the proclamation after her own remarks. She said, “Melvin believed deeply in the possibility of people. Not just in theory, but in practice. He believed that a past mistake should never define someone’s future, and he dedicated his life to proving that second chances are not only possible, but they are powerful.”
She added, “I recognize that this loss is huge for the entire community. The ripple effect that it had just shows how deep and wide Melvin’s reach has been and his connection to so many. I hope that folks are taking the opportunity to grieve in a healthy way to find healing and find peace.” She urged community members to seek support using local resources if they feel they need it.
Each city council member spoke in honor of Parson. Councilor Me'Chelle King extended condolences to his family, his community and We the People Opportunity Farm.
Councilor Desiraé Simmons commented that the council’s two proclamations being about Earth Day and Parson was fitting, because he loved the earth and was born on Earth Day 61 years ago.
“He told me that if I want my life fulfilled and to be as happy as I want to be, I need to go around and pluck the weeds in my life. I encourage everyone to take his advice and pluck the weeds,” said Councilor Roland Tooson.
Councilor Patrick McLean noted, “He was one of those quiet people who got a lot of work done without a lot of fanfare. He was a quiet power.”
Parson requested that no memorial service be held. Those wishing to honor his life are encouraged to volunteer with or donate to We the People Opportunity Farm or Good Soil Cafe.
