The Historical Relationship of African Americans, Forests, and the Forestry Industry
Join us for a discussion with moderator Latesha Lipscomb (Amplify GR) and panelists Jasmine Brown (doctoral student at MSU) and Tiawanna Ezell (Urban League of West Michigan) about the history of African Americans and their relationships with forests and the forestry profession. After the discussion and Q&A portion of the evening, the Friends team will provide information about their fall community tree planting, Neighborwoods, and how to get involved. Dinner will be provided for all attendees, and free container trees will be available for residents to plant at their homes.
Event Parking:
Spaces are available in the GRCTC lot, the neighboring parking lot to the north, and street parking is also immediately nearby.
This event is FREE, and all ages are welcome. RSVPs are appreciated but not required.
Community Forest Conversations is in partnership with Amplify GR and is sponsored in part by Amp the Good grant funding.
LATESHA LIPSCOMB: (Moderator, Amplify GR)
Latesha Lipscomb is from Grand Rapids and is passionate about working to better the lives of the city’s urban residents. Ms. Lipscomb adheres to the Jesuit ideal of “service to all mankind” and describes Community Engagement as her “purpose-driven life”. You can also find Ms. Lipscomb serving on several local boards and committees in West Michigan. Through these assorted collaborations with local groups, Latesha’s body of work is a shining example of what authentic community partnership looks like and what everyday people can achieve when supported by a champion.
JASMINE BROWN: (Doctoral Student at MSU)
Jasmine K. Brown is pursuing a doctorate in Forestry at Michigan State University, where her research focuses on the enduring legacies of African Americans in forests and the forestry profession. Brown often innovatively draws connections between race, nature, and culture using storytelling, her lived experience as a Black woman who loves trees, and current research. In her spare time, Brown enjoys day hikes, nature, poetry, and roller skating. Learn more about Jasmine’s work here.
TIAWANNA EZELL: (Urban League of West Michigan)
Tiawanna Ezell is the Urban League of West Michigan’s Program and Community Engagement Manager for Health, Wellness, and Education.