Short Wave Honoring The 'Hidden Figures' Of Black Gardening
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Mar 2, 2023 Abra Lee, a horticulturist and author of "Conquer the Soil," shares her journey from managing landscapes to uncovering the rich history of Black horticulturists. She highlights the significant yet overlooked contributions of figures like Effie Lee Newsome from the Harlem Renaissance and Wormley Hughes, an enslaved gardener at Monticello. The conversation also connects nature to social justice, discussing the inspiring tales of Black children during the Jim Crow era. Abra emphasizes the cultural legacy of Black gardening and the need to celebrate these vital stories.
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Finding Her Roots
- Abra Lee sought advice when she became a landscape manager.
- Her mentor told her to study garden history, sparking her research into Black horticulturalists.
The Eco-Poet
- Effie Lee Newsome, a Harlem Renaissance writer, used nature in her social justice poetry.
- She connected nature's beauty to Black children's identities, empowering them during the Jim Crow era.
The Insect Artist
- William Charles Costello, an entomological artist, began painting insects after a picnic observation.
- He painted insects for Ohio State University, helping students distinguish beneficial insects from pests.
