Join us for a riveting conversation with a ward-winning biologist Beronda Montgomery as we discuss her book\, \;W hen Trees Testify: Science\, Wisdom\, History\, and America&rsquo\;s Black Botanical Legacy. \;
\nThe histories of trees in America are al so the histories of Black Americans. Pecan trees were domesticated by an e nslaved African named Antoine\; sycamore trees were both havens and signpo sts for people trying to escape enslavement\; poplar trees are historicall y associated with lynching\; and willow bark has offered the gift of medic ine. These trees\, and others\, testify not only to the complexity of the Black American narrative but also to a heritage of Black botanical experti se that\, like Native American traditions\, predates the United States ent irely.
\nIn \;When Trees Testify\, award-winning plant biologist Beronda L. Montgomery explores the ways seven trees\, as well as the cott on shrub\, are intertwined with Black history and culture. She reveals how knowledge surrounding these trees has shaped America since the very begin ning. As Montgomery shows\, trees are material witnesses to the lives of e nslaved Africans and their descendants.
\nCombining the wisdom of sc ience and history with stories from her own path to botany\, Montgomery ta lks to majestic trees\, and in this unique and compelling narrative\, they answer.
\nRegister today for this insightful discussion about Black history and botanical mastery. \;
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\nAbout the A uthor:
\nBeronda L. Montgomery\, PhD\, is a writer\, researcher\, an d scholar who pursues a common theme of understanding how individuals perc eive\, respond to\, and are impacted by the environments in which they exi st. Her primary laboratory-based research has been focused on the response s of photosynthetic organisms (i.e.\, plants and cyanobacteria) to externa l light cues. Additionally\, Beronda pursues this theme in the context of effective mentoring and leadership of individuals\, and the role of innova tive leaders in supporting success.
\nBeronda is author of two books \;When Trees Testify: Science\, Wisdom\, History\, and America&rsquo\ ;s Black Botanical Legacy \;(2026\, Henry Holt and Co.) and \;Less ons From Plants \;(2021\, Harvard University Press).
\nFree acce ss to The Steve Redan Memorial Author Series is made possible through the support and generosity of the Redan family.
\nRegister online or by calling the library at (973) 584-2400.
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