This year New York Botanical Garden will be celebrating Black History Month virtually honoring Black Contributions to Art, Culture, and Science.
The New York Botanical Garden’s annual celebration of Black History Month takes place online this year with engaging digital programs accessible at https://www.nybg.org/event/black- history-month-at-home/ that can be enjoyed at home. Throughout the month, Black History Month at Home showcases cultural traditions of the African diaspora and explores the influential contributions of Black people to botany, horticulture, ecology, and our collective understanding of the natural world. Discover captivating dance, creative and inspirational children’s programs, important historical narratives, and fascinating plant stories.
NYBG’s Black History Month at Home includes:
- § Welcome Message from New York State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, District 36
- § Harambee Dance Company Performance
NYBG and Harambee Dance Company celebrate Black History Month with a high-energy performance that reflects the majesty of the African diaspora through movement, modern dance forms, live percussion, and original music. In Swahili harambee means “let us pull together.” Artistic Director and resident choreographer Sandella Malloy pulls together the essence of African and African-American dance, presenting it from an innovative and contemporary perspective.Programs for Kids and Families
- § Art Activity: Create Leaf Rubbings
Arvolyn Hill, Coordinator of Family Programs for the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden at NYBG, helps kids discover the beauty of nature in a single leaf and explore their creativity as they learn about the Pan-African flag. - § Mamma Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya
Beginning February 16, kids ages 4–8 can join NYBG’s Explainers for an activity inspired by Donna Jo Napoli’s beautifully illustrated true story of Wangari Maathai, who founded Kenya’s Green Belt movement and was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Plus, participants will learn how to adopt a street tree in their own neighborhood.
Programs for Adults
§ The Hand Lens: Focus on Black Botanists
A series of blog posts highlights Black botanists and their many contributions to the field of science, past and present, including:
o ThomasGaither,ActivistandBiologist
Behind each collection is the life of the collector, often lost to history. We’re excited to celebrate the contributions of Dr. Gaither, both of his fungal collections, and to advancements in the fight for civil rights.
o LafayetteFrederick,FungalSystematist
See a type specimen of fungal species described by Dr. Lafayette Frederick, a mycologist who followed in George Washington Carver’s footsteps to understand and document all manner of plant pathogens, also join NYBG Beyond Books Club: Black History Month
The New York Botanical Garden’s Black History Month
Monday, February 1, Through Sunday, February 28, 2021
See more details here
