Plants and the Black Experience
Click the images below to listen to a short narrative about each plant's deep connection with enslaved Africans and their descendants, and their influence on cuisines in the Americas today.
Okra
Abelmoschus esculentus
Black-eyed Pea
Vigna unguiculata
Collard Greens
Brassica oleracea
Corn
Zea mays 'Orchard baby sweet corn'
Carolina Gold Rice
Oryza sativa 'Carolina Gold'
African Rice
Oryza glaberrima
Sorghum
Sorghum bicolor
Pearl Millet
Pennisetum glaucum
Taro
Colocasia esculentis
Amaranth (Red Callaloo)
Amaranth spp.
Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Peanuts
Arachis hypogaea
Castor Bean
Ricinus communis
Bottle Gourd
Lagenaria siceraria
Cotton
Gossypium hirsutum
Indigo
Indigofera tinctoria
George Washington Carver
Carver is an inspiration to today’s challenges in food systems and environmental justice.