Two-Time N.C. A&T Alumnus Named Harvard Graduate School of Design Loeb Fellow

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 19, 2026) - Kamal Bell, a two-time graduate of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has made history as the first alumnus to be named a Loeb Fellow by the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Bell, one of only 10 individuals selected for the prestigious international fellowship for 2027, said he is honored and excited about the opportunity. However, he admits he was initially hesitant about applying because he associated the word "design" with traditional building architecture.

"But how (Harvard) uses it is that anyone looking to change and build systems is an architect," he explained. "That is exactly in alignment with what we are doing at the farm."

The Loeb Fellowship Experience

During their 10-month residency at the school, Loeb Fellows audit courses at Harvard and MIT, exchange insights, and expand professional networks. They engage with students and faculty, participate as speakers and panelists in public events, and convene workshops and other activities. Throughout the year, Fellows consider how they might refocus their careers and broaden the impact of their work.

From Aggie to Agricultural Innovator

At A&T, Bell earned his bachelor's degree in animal science in 2014 and his master's in agricultural education in 2015. In 2016, he founded Sankofa Farms with the ambitious goal of creating a sustainable food source for residents living in food deserts in Durham and rural areas of Orange County. He also established an agricultural youth academy.

Working with young men from challenging areas of Durham, Bell discovered that simply providing access to fresh food wasn't enough to create lasting change.

"Through my experience with the boys I was working with, who were living in really tough parts of Durham, getting them the food didn't solve the problem," Bell reflected.

A Vision for Civic Culture Design

This observation became the foundation for Bell's fellowship focus: civic culture design. His innovative approach recognizes that food insecurity is interconnected with other community challenges.

"Fresh food alone does not stabilize communities," Bell said.

Bell envisions farms that include:

• Affordable housing
• Educational facilities
• Mental health resources
• All integrated on the same acreage

"Small farms can become anchors that connect these systems instead of each operating separately," said Bell.

Beyond Traditional Farming

Bell's innovative approach extends beyond farming systems. With his son Akeem, he co-authored the children's book "Akeem Keeps Bees!" -- a practical guide to bees and beekeeping for young readers. The book sold more than 10,000 copies and was named one of the Best Books of 2025 by The New York Public Library.

Moving Forward

Bell and his wife, Amber -- also an A&T alumna -- will relocate with their four young sons to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for the fellowship, which begins in August. Sankofa Farms will continue operating under the farm's manager during his absence.

Jim Stockard, interim curator of the Loeb Fellowship, highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the 2027 Fellows: "But the one thing they share is a passion to make our cities and our green spaces more beautiful, more accessible, and more just."

Inspiring Future Aggies

Bell hopes his achievement will inspire other N.C. A&T graduates to think beyond traditional career paths. The fellowship, which has produced about 500 alumni since its founding in the late 1960s, represents the power of taking initiative.

"I'm hoping this can be an inspiration to future Aggies, because when I came out of college the whole idea was to get a job," he said. "So, if I didn't go create my own job, I probably wouldn't have this opportunity."