Plants and the Black Experience
The mission of Cornell Botanic Gardens is to share the deep and enduring connections between the rich diversity of the plant world and the equally rich diversity of cultures worldwide. This garden display and exhibit shares the knowledge, skill, and resilience of enslaved Africans, their descendants, and today’s Black community and their deep connections to plants and the cuisines they inspired.
Garden Display
Over 20 plants that were grown and used by enslaved Africans in the Americas are part of the plant display in front of the Welcome Center.
Exhibit
An exhibit inside the Welcome Center reveals how enslaved Africans used their culinary skills and plants that came with them from West Africa to prepare foods, which eventually became regional staples.
Cultivators of Celebration
This display pays homage to the remarkable individuals who nurture and safeguard the rich heritage associated with the plants showcased in “Seeds of Survival and Celebration."
Places for the Spirit
Fine art stills by Vaughn Sills capture African American gardens, which illustrate beliefs and practices brought to the United States by enslaved Africans.
Audio Narratives
Nine of the plants displayed include short audio narratives to learn how they were used by enslaved Africans and made their way into regional cuisines we know and love today.
Our Collaborators
Our staff worked closely with Cornell staff, faculty, and students to curate “Seeds of Survival and Celebration”
News
Seeds of survival: Botanic Gardens honors the Black experienceThis garden display and exhibit shares the knowledge, skill, and resilience of enslaved Africans, their descendants, and today’s Black community and their deep connections to plants and the cuisines they inspired.
Gardening
Tales of survival and celebrationLessons learned from growing the plants of the “Seeds of Survival and Celebration: Plants and the Black Experience” exhibit.
Exhibit
Seeds of Survival and Celebration returns to honor Black history, knowledge, and cultureThe exhibition returns with an expanded plant collection, more stories, and vernacular garden features reflective of African American culture.