Cornell Botanic Gardens, Ithaca Children’s Garden and The Learning Farm host a lecture by Carolyn Finney, author of “Black Faces White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors.” Christian Cooper. George Floyd. Removal of Confederate Statues. Renaming of institutions. Reparations. Systemic Racism. John Muir? What does "environment" have to do with it? How do we meet this moment?

Drawing from her book, her relationships “in the field”, her lived experience, and this moment of reckoning, Carolyn explores the complexities and contradictions of American history as it relates to green space, race and the power to shape the places we live in our own image. By engaging in “green” conversations with black people from around the country, Carolyn considers the power of resistance and resilience in the emergence of creative responses to environmental and social challenges in our cities and beyond.

Co-sponsors: Cornell Botanic Gardens, Ithaca Children’s Garden and The Learning Farm.