Join us for a riveting conversation with a ward-winning biologist Beronda Montgomery as we discuss her book\, Whe n Trees Testify: Science\, Wisdom\, History\, and America&rsquo\;s Black B otanical Legacy. \;
\nThe histories of trees in America are also the histories of Black Americans. Pecan trees were domesticated by a n enslaved African named Antoine\; sycamore trees were both havens and sig nposts for people trying to escape enslavement\; poplar trees are historic ally associated with lynching\; and willow bark has offered the gift of me dicine. These trees\, and others\, testify not only to the complexity of t he Black American narrative but also to a heritage of Black botanical expe rtise that\, like Native American traditions\, predates the United States entirely.
\nIn When Trees Testify\, award-winning plant bio logist Beronda L. Montgomery explores the ways seven trees\, as well as th e cotton shrub\, are intertwined with Black history and culture. She revea ls how knowledge surrounding these trees has shaped America since the very beginning. As Montgomery shows\, trees are material witnesses to the live s of enslaved Africans and their descendants.
\nCombining the wisdom of science and history with stories from her own path to botany\, Montgom ery talks to majestic trees\, and in this unique and compelling narrative\ , they answer.
\nRegister today for this insightful discussion about Black history and botanical mastery. \;
\nAbout the Aut hor:
\nBeronda L. Montgomery\, PhD\, is a writer\, research er\, and scholar who pursues a common theme of understanding how individua ls perceive\, respond to\, and are impacted by the environments in which t hey exist. Her primary laboratory-based research has been focused on the r esponses of photosynthetic organisms (i.e.\, plants and cyanobacteria) to external light cues. Additionally\, Beronda pursues this theme in the cont ext of effective mentoring and leadership of individuals\, and the role of innovative leaders in supporting success.
\nBeronda is author of tw o books When Trees Testify: Science\, Wisdom\, History\, and America&r squo\;s Black Botanical Legacy (2026\, Henry Holt and Co.) and Le ssons From Plants (2021\, Harvard University Press).
\nThis pro gram is sponsored by the Alexandria Library Foundation.
\nRegister for upcoming boo k talks and stream previously broadcast book talks here.
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