Author Talk: When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History and America's Black Botanical Legacy with Dr. Beronda Montgomery
Sat Sep 26 | 4pm-5:30pm | Trees Atlanta Kendeda TreeHouse
44th and 3rd Bookseller in partnership with Trees Atlanta is thrilled to welcome author, professor, award-winning plant biologist Dr. Beronda L Montgomery to the City in the Forest to share her book: When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy.
Many of the trees in Atlanta’s urban forest are deeply intertwined with the histories and culture of Black Americans. Dr. Montgomery’s extraordinary research highlights seven trees and the complex roles these trees have played in Black American culture. We’ll learn how the willow was used to heal; how the majestic sycamore served as a signpost for those on the path from enslavement to freedom; and how Antoine, an enslaved African, domesticated the Pecan Tree!
Dr. Montgomery’s book is truly a gift to be read, shared, and celebrated by all who live in the City in the Forest.
About the Author: Beronda L. Montgomery, PhD, is an award-winning plant biologist and the author of the acclaimed Lessons from Plants (Harvard University Press, 2021). She has been named one of the journal Cell’s 100 Inspiring Black Scientists in America, and was awarded the 2021 Cynthia Westcott Science Writing Award and 2022 Adolph E. Gude, Jr. Award for outstanding service to the science of plant biology. She was named a Radcliffe Fellow at Harvard University (2025-26) and is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Plant Biologists, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the American Academy of Microbiology.
About the Moderator: Dr. Na Taki Osborn Jelks is an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Health Sciences at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Jelks is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of West Atlanta Watershed Alliance -a community-based environmental justice organization that works to grow a cleaner, greener, healthier, more sustainable West Atlanta through authentic community engagement, organizing, education, community science, and participatory research.
44th & 3rd Bookseller is a family-owned, multi-cultural book and culture brand headquartered in the heart of Atlanta, GA. Its founders, Warren, Cheryl, and Allyce Lee, established the brand in 2017. The mission is to continue as a source of unbiased literature that is true to the rich culture of excellence experienced and expressed in the Black community world-wide. We create a sanctuary of great Black literature, history and culture. We bring well-curated books, conversations with writers via book signings, and community engagement with poetry nights, book club events and lectures on important subjects to the community. Learn more about us here.
Community Resource Share: Doors open at 3:30 PM. Meet with local organizations and agencies engaged in science, trees, botany, and history before the talk begins, and as the Author signs books. West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Georgia Arborist Association, Fulton County Remembrance Coalition, Georgia Native Plant Society Intown Chapter, City of Atlanta Office of Natural Resources
Additional Information:
- Doors open at 3:30 pm. Opportunity to connect and network with others in the community resource share. Light refreshments will be served.
- Getting Here: This event will take place at the Trees Atlanta Kenda Tree House (825 Warner St. SW 30310). Atlanta Bike racks are located on the side of the building (near the silo in the Picnic Patio). We are approximately 1 mile from the Oakland City and West End MARTA train stations (Red and Gold Lines). Limited number of parking spaces are available at our location, in addition to limited street parking. Lee & White is accessible via a walk on the Atlanta Beltline for those who plan to eat there before or after this event.
- Registration Required. This event is free. Register here. Please consider purchasing a book at 44th and 3rd Booksellers to support the local bookstore host and the author here.
- Safety and Cancellation Policy: Learn more about our current Safety Protocols for In-Person Education Events. Please let us know if you have any needs that may require any special assistance. We want to provide a welcoming space for all attendees.
- Questions: If you have any questions or comments regarding this event, please email education@treesatlanta.org.
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