This is a resource directory that’s expected to grow and change with time. Please feel free to share additional resources with MJ Jackson at [email protected].
Quick Links
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) x Botany Resources
Black History x Botany Resources
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) History x Botany Resources
Past Events
The North American Japanese Garden Association’s “Innovation by Adaption II” webinar included a discussion with Portland Japanese Garden’s Chief Curator Sadafumi Uchiyama, about the extensive legacy of “Japan-trained garden craftsmen” who shape the garden: A History of Portland Japanese Garden (Uchiyama is also the Director of the International Japanese Garden Training Center, which you can learn more about here.)
Research, Articles, and Exhibitions
An oral history project submitted to the Library of Congress by Katie Reuther: Finding Roots: Asian American Farmers in Contemporary America
Cathy Erway’s report in Eater on farming as cultural identity, food sovereignty, and land stewardship: “Bok Choy isn’t Exotic”
Reviving the memory of Ah Bing, the ubiquitous Bing cherry’s namesake: “The Tragic Roots of America’s Favorite Cherry”
People, Places, and Platforms to Support
A collaborative platform and community of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the outdoors with chapters in five states, including right here in Oregon! : Outdoor Asian
A farm that’s “reclaiming [intersectional] Asian-American identities on the land” with meals, events, and more: Radical Family Farms (@radicalfamilyfarms on Instagram)
The work of Chinese artisans from Suzhou, which is now known as one of “the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China.”: Lan Su Chinese Garden
Specialist in heirloom crops, creator of delicious breads, and Chair of the Asian American Farmers Alliance: Farmer Mai
Oregon’s first museum about Chinese history and art is dedicated to exhibiting the work of contemporary Asian American artists, storytelling about the immigrant experience, and various public programs including Portland’s annual Lunar New Year celebration: Portland Chinatown Museum
Black History x Botany Resources
Past Events
New York Botanical Garden: “Inside Black Botany: A Conversation with the Curators” (more NYBG Events can be found at https://nybg.org/black-history-month-at-home)
Research and Exhibitions
Open-access article courtesy of Portland State University: White Space, Black Space: Community Gardens in Portland, Oregon
Community-based research project headed by Mudbone Grown: Portland Black Gardens Oral History Project
Online exhibit from New York Botanical Garden: Black Botany: The Nature of Black Experience
People, Places, and Platforms to Support
Black-owned, community-based farm enterprise in Portland: Mudbone Grown
Curated collection of Black history, agriculture, and plants: Black People With Plants (In 2019, Black People With Plants did a great blog series on Black History in Nature that can be found here).
Podcast of “mindful conversations surrounding Black culture and horticulture:” Black in the Garden
“A Horticultural Revolution”: The Ron Finley Project