The Institute for Community Evolution proudly announces the launch of the Jimmi Appleseed Initiative, a groundbreaking cultural movement designed to inspire communities across the U.S. to “sow seeds of wisdom” through storytelling, education, and the arts.
Mark your calendars for **dates throughout April 2026 (National Poetry Month)** as we debut this national observance, inviting cities, churches, community centers, independent bookstores, and cultural institutions to host Jimmi Appleseed Day events.
What is the Jimmi Appleseed Initiative?
Rooted in African American folklore and framed as a modern-day cultural reimagining of the Johnny Appleseed story, Jimmi Appleseed is a symbolic figure who carries not apple seeds—but ideas, wisdom, and truth—planting them in receptive minds and nurturing community growth. The initiative is proudly developed through the Medi-Arts Initiative, a program of the Institute for Community Evolution.
About the Logo
The Jimmi Appleseed Day logo features a stylized illustration of Jimmi Appleseed, a non-gendered figure inspired by African American folklore.
The character is depicted with a warm, inviting expression, sowing seeds of knowledge. Jimmi is wearing overalls, a straw hat, and has a satchel. This imagery symbolizes the core mission of the initiative: to spread wisdom, ideas, and truth to nurture community growth, much like the original Johnny Appleseed spread apple seeds across the land. The overall color palette is a blend of earthy greens and browns.
Core Events
The inaugural Jimmi Appleseed Day will feature core celebration(s) throughout April 2026 in Red Bank, NJ – home to the Institute for Community Evolution. This flagship event will feature storytelling circles, live performances, art installations, and community dialogues, setting the tone for satellite events nationwide. National Event launch partners are located in Red Bank, NJ, San Diego, CA and Washington, DC.
Key Highlights
Launch Date: Throughout April 2026 (National Poetry Month)
Goal: To spark a national storytelling and wisdom-sharing movement that fosters unity and cultural understanding.
Led by: The Medi-Arts Initiative, a division of the Institute for Community Evolution
Target Audience: Intergenerational communities across the U.S. and beyond, with emphasis on educators, artists, faith leaders, cultural centers, and storytellers.
Concurrent events are being discussed with prospective partner organizations in Washington, DC, San Diego, CA and Red Bank, NJ (HQ of The Institute).
Partner Organizations
The Institute for Community Evolution: A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing global human consciousness through research, education, advocacy, and the arts. The Institute was co-founded by Diem Jones and Dr. Carol Penn in 2022.
The Institute for Karmic Guidance (IKG): An educational organization dedicated to rediscovering and applying ancient African history, culture, and wisdom to contemporary times. It was founded in 1982 by Anthony T. Browder, and is located inWashington, DC.
Get Involved!
Learn more about how you and your community can participate in Jimmi Appleseed Day! Contact Diem Jones at info@communityevolution.org or call (732) 842-3932. Our locations are in Red Bank, NJ & Billings, MT.
Join the Conversation
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