Four weeks from now on January 20, 2026, my next book When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy (print/audiobook) will debut.
Like my first book Lessons from Plants, the new book explores my love for plants and my expertise in plant science. Both books exemplify my goal to always ask how knowledge I gain—be it social, cultural or scientific—can be used for me to be better. I am a prolific “self-reflector” seeking to gain insights and perspectives from the past to bring into an intentional present and, hopefully, a better future. Because for me self is dual—self as individual as well as self as community—the insights are individual and communal.
Unlike my first book, When Trees Testify, sits at a unique intersection of the personal, scientific, and Black history. My own thoughts about my life, my work, and my world shifted when I encountered a centuries old live oak tree and realized it had shared space with me and many generations before me. That was the “germinated seedling” that led me to research and write When Trees Testify, which turned out to be a deeply personal journey.
Soon many readers will have the opportunity to join me on the journey and I can barely wait.
If you haven’t already, consider ordering here, or if I’m fortunate, maybe I’ll see you at a When Trees Testify event.