The histories of trees in America are also the histories of Black Americans. Pecan trees were domesticated by an ens laved African named Antoine\; sycamore trees were both havens and signpost s for people trying to escape enslavement\; poplar trees are historically associated with lynching\; and willow bark has offered the gift of medicin e. These trees\, and others\, testify not only to the complexity of the Bl ack American narrative but also to a heritage of Black botanical expertise that\, like Native American traditions\, predates the United States entir ely.
\nIn \;When Trees Testify\, award-winning plant bi ologist Beronda L. Montgomery explores the ways seven trees\, as well as t he cotton shrub\, are intertwined with Black history and culture. She reve als how knowledge surrounding these trees has shaped America since the ver y beginning. As Montgomery shows\, trees are material witnesses to the liv es of enslaved Africans and their descendants.
\nCombining the wisdo m of science and history with stories from her own path to botany\, Montgo mery talks to majestic trees\, and in this unique and compelling narrative \, they answer.
\nBeronda L. Montgomery\, PhD\, is a writer\, resear cher\, and scholar who pursues a common theme of understanding how individ uals perceive\, respond to\, and are impacted by the environments in which they exist. Her primary laboratory-based research has been focused on the responses of photosynthetic organisms (i.e.\, plants and cyanobacteria) t o external light cues. Additionally\, Beronda pursues this theme in the co ntext of effective mentoring and leadership of individuals\, and the role of innovative leaders in supporting success. \;Beronda is author of tw o books\, When Trees Testify: Science\, Wisdom\, History\, and America &rsquo\;s Black Botanical Legacy \;(2026\, Henry Holt and Co.) an d \;Lessons From Plants \;(2021\, Harvard University Pres s).
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