2026 May 16 Abra Lee Conquer the Soil
Today I had the pleasure of attending a fabulous class, Conquer the Soil: Love Stories of Black History and Horticulture, by horticulturist and historian Abra Lee at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. She braided together connections of prominent Black American figures to their horticultural societies and local Cleveland horticultural heroes. The vibrant love stories of horticultural successes of the Black community were brought to life through Lee’s artful slides. Effie Lee Newsome’s poetry intertwined art, the natural world, spirituality and pride. Horticulture is more than just the science of growing plants. Personally, I found this to be a refreshing reminder of what horticulture can be. For many post-Civil War Black Americans, horticulture was a way to build wealth and financial independence. The horticultural societies and colleges that were formed were ways to build cultural status as well. Horticulture was a way for Black Americans to move up in society and even combat histo...
