Beronda L. Montgomery

Beronda L. Montgomery, a plant biologist and author of "When Trees Testify," explores the rich intersections of botany and Black American history. She shares her emotional encounter with a centuries-old oak tree that connected her to enslaved ancestors. Beronda discusses how the legacy of enslaved expertise shaped the pecan industry and delves into the significance of memorial trees. The conversation highlights the importance of trees as living memorials, symbolizing resilience, while also emphasizing the need for integrating indigenous knowledge in modern plant science.