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.
\nRegister today for this insightful discussion abou t Black history and botanical mastery. \;
\n\nAbo ut the Author:
\nBeronda L. Montgomery\, PhD\, 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 research has been focuse d on the responses of photosynthetic organisms (i.e.\, plants and cyanobac teria) to external light cues. Additionally\, Beronda pursues this theme i n the context of effective mentoring and leadership of individuals\, and t he role of innovative leaders in supporting success.
\nBeronda is au thor of two books \;When Trees Testify: Science\, Wisdom\, History \, and America&rsquo\;s Black Botanical Legacy \;(2026\, Henry Ho lt and Co.) and \;Lessons From Plants \;(2021\, Harvard U niversity Press).
\nThe views expressed by prese nters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an en dorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Dedham Public Library.
\nhttps://dedhamlibrary.libnet.inf o/event/17206097 URL;VALUE=URI:https://dedhamlibrary.libnet.info/event/17206097 ATTACH:https://static.libnet.info/images/events/dedhamlibrary/VARIETY_LIFE STYLE_SQUARE_August_Beronda_Montgomery.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR