In cities like Springfield, sometimes, if we’re lucky, we’ll cross paths with people who can change the lives of those they touch without a second thought.
Regular people who live ordinary lives yet somehow manage to do the most remarkably amazing things. These special people are rare breeds, tenacious, determined, and strong-willed. They make their work look easy. They are the stones that turn ripples into waves, or, a vegetable into a meal. They provide jobs to the less fortunate just because they can, not because they have the means.
They are the stones that turn ripples into waves, or, a vegetable into a meal. They provide jobs to the less fortunate just because they can, not because they have the means. Those are the people who create ripples without intending to do so nor do they do it for acclaim or applause. Instead, they create waves because it is what they were born to do.
Zephrin Mongroo was one of those rare but special people. A born hustler who was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Zephrin owned multiple businesses throughout his life and held strong opinions about the condition of “his” Black community. Zephrin Mongroo was always about the business of creating businesses that bring about some degree of change.
Most people are hesitant about any change, except when it benefits them, but not Zephrin, he knew that “Anytime you change something, you have to think about how it’s going to benefit somebody else—and that is what you promote.” So in each of his businesses, he promoted the benefits to the people and for the people.
Zephrin knew that the real change didn’t come from the words alone; he knew that it was indeed an arduous task. Moreover, Zephrin understood that “Change is almost always accepted when people see that it is in their best interest to change.”
His last business was the Garden of Eat’n, a vegan restaurant that served more than a healthy, hardy meal; he promoted spirituality, community development, diet, and physical health. His tools were his voice and his ability to create a safe space for dialogue. Spiritual belief, health, and people were often the topics of his choice.
Zephrin was a community activist and a mentor to many, with a spiritual zeal to bring a non-believer back to the faith. Zephrin will always be credited for working hard to ensure that conversations on eating and living healthy will always be a vital part of discussions in the Black community. He made vegetarian meals pop while his casual conversation style kept you deeply engaged in whatever he was the conversation he was having.
Before you knew it, you were eating and feeling better while leaving with a wealth of knowledge. This was a daily pebble toss into a vast sea of Black people for Zephrin; making waves is what he did.
Justin Yarde says that his friend and mentor, Zephrin was a pillar in the community for many people because he gave them their first jobs, helped them start their own business, get their license, or just was always there when they needed him the most. Yarde went on to say that Zephrin created businesses to employ people, he created events to bring people together, but most of all, he created for many – another branch of the family tree.
Yarde, says Zephrin’s life goal was to serve his community no matter the cost, and I believe he did that and much more.
Zephrin was an orator and a listener who understood that when you want to influence someone, the most important thing you should do is take a step back and listen. Zephrin would always be sure to get his point across, but he never failed to stop what he was doing and listen to those he served.
Narelle Thomas says of Mongroo. I am grateful to have known Zephrin.
I didn’t realize everything he’d graciously opened arms to through the years for me, but reflection brings recount. He assisted me in securing the venue for one of my first solo events.
The Garden of Eat’n was one of the first places I sold cookies (and a lot of them!); it was the first and only restaurant I’ve had art in for any length of time. Zephrin encouraged me to teach nutrition class, and he knew that I could (that means a lot on the strength of being primarily self-taught.) He provided space for Enganjyani events and even had me collaborate on a paint night there. He taught me so much! No matter his opinion at any point, he still was there, supportive of all that I had done!
Zephrin was the type to sit back, ponder upon a dilemma, then let the wheels start spinning. He was a problem solver who would talk with you long enough for you to figure out and solve your problem.
Brandon Naylor-Green says 2015-2016 around that time frame; I was hospitalized for an ulcer. I wasn’t even 21 yet. Why was a young kid like me having those issues? I didn’t have a clue—3 blood transfusions. So many days in the hospital, I never thought I was going home, man. Finally, the doctor sat down and told me, kid, we probably would have lost you if you didn’t get here sooner. They sent me home with so many different medications I was annoyed. I have been on meds all my life. So I called up my guy Justin Yarde, and we met up with Zephrin Mongroo.
We talked about my condition, and he helped me execute a plan. See, back then, I didn’t have any money. So what he did for me was out of the goodness of his heart. How can I ever repay him for assisting in basically saving my life, man? I will never be able to repay him for that. I’ve learned so much from him. No matter how many times I told him I was going to see him and didn’t, he always showed me, love.
He was the type that would notice things others don’t, which helps them determine what needs to be changed and how it will occur.
Thomas continued, seeing him start something I’d always dreamed of seeing in Springfield, even in collaboration, was so big! Also, integrating a health narrative somewhere outside Northampton Ma was huge for the area when things were so desolate and brought a genuinely vibrant Caribbean “home” feeling. Ugh, priceless. Despite working 2/3 jobs sometimes, I enjoyed sitting in the Garden for hours to talk, mostly listen, have great laughs, and witness the happenings. And it was always a treat to have a healthy meal!
Thomas added, that there was such momentum, especially when things just got going; the energy was so good for the city. He made people think, no matter how they felt and had people learning, engaged, involved, and HEALING. That is not easy work, and creating a hub for the community has a definite flow. Imagine a place by the people and for all. I appreciate the dedication and immense love for the community which Zeph is known. It shows through his works and what has come from Garden of Eat’n.
Though sometimes the way he moved wasn’t always what people might have wanted it to be, one thing is for sure and not up for debate; he did the work, and he had heart! His love, teachings, and spirit will live on forever.
Drew Keaton El says “A few years back, Zephrin and I had a talk show; it was Zeph’s idea to create a show that spoke to the people, this show did, and if you know Zeph, he didn’t hold any punches and spoke truth to power. All he cared about was healthy eating and a healthy community.”
Longtime customer George Mack says, “As a self-proclaimed foodie; I have frequented more restaurants than most. Although I have also worked in the food industry, I have been to restaurants in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, to name a few, and I have never been to a restaurant that was trying to heal people. What a beautiful legacy left by my man Zeph.”
Bryanna Henry, an employee of the Garden of Eat’n, says “Zeph was a man who didn’t need much time or words to make a lasting impression. He was the true definition of the phrase “actions speak louder than words.” For this reason, he easily became a man who taught me vital lessons about life and motivated me to invest in myself. I’m absolutely sure this community thrived off of that energy and hope it will continue to do so.”
Zephrin taught us that we can all work to create change and make a difference where we live, where we work, and in the lives of those around us. Zephrin Mongroo left not only a legacy but also a blueprint. Nothing is more important in this life than leaving an imprint that will outlive our bodies. We have a choice; we can remember his work or continue and extend his body of work.
At the center of Zephrin’s world were his children; his daughter Damahya said, “My dad was the true definition of a man wanting to genuinely uplift his community. His selflessness is rare to come across and I’m so honored to be a daughter to such a man! For me, he demonstrated the success that comes from “living to the best of my own drum.” His impact on our community will be one to never forget.”
Thomas said, so much will never be the same; all I can think of is the quote by the poet “Rainmaker” “I am for the people, even when the people aren’t for themselves “.
Thanks for creating necessary change in a city that you were not even from. Such a genuine person. May you be received by the warm light.
Zephrin transitioned at age 56 on January 22, 2022.
