The historie s of trees in America are also the histories of Black Americans. Pecan tre es were domesticated by an enslaved African named Antoine\; sycamore trees were both havens and signposts for people trying to escape enslavement\; poplar trees are historically associated with lynching\; and willow bark h as offered the gift of medicine. These trees\, and others\, testify not on ly to the complexity of the Black American narrative but also to a heritag e of Black botanical expertise that\, like Native American traditions\, pr edates the United States entirely.
\nI n When Trees Testify\, award-winning plant biologist Beronda L. M ontgomery explores the ways seven trees\, as well as the cotton shrub\, ar e intertwined with Black history and culture. She reveals how knowledge su rrounding these trees has shaped America since the very beginning. As Mont gomery shows\, trees are material witnesses to the lives of enslaved Afric ans and their descendants.
\nCombining the wisdom of science and history with stories from her own path to botan y\, Montgomery talks to majestic trees\, and in this unique and compelling narrative\, they answer.
\nRegister t oday for this insightful discussion about Black history and botanical mast ery. \;
\nAbout the Author :
\nBeronda L. Montgomery\, P hD\, is a writer\, researcher\, and scholar who pursues a common theme of understanding how individuals perceive\, respond to\, and are impacted by the environments in which they exist. Her primary laboratory-based researc h has been focused on the responses of photosynthetic organisms (i.e.\, pl ants and cyanobacteria) to external light cues. Additionally\, Beronda pur sues this theme in the context of effective mentoring and leadership of in dividuals\, and the role of innovative leaders in supporting success.
\ nBeronda is author of two books When Trees Testify: Science\, Wisdom\, History\, and America&rsquo\;s Black Bot anical Legacy (2026\, Henry Holt and Co.) and Lessons From Plants (2021\, Harvard University Press).
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