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THE LEGACY
of Black Herbalism

When enslaved Africans were brought to America, many of their traditions were taken away from them once they arrived. One exception to this rule, however, is the legacy of herbalism for their medicinal, dietary and cultural usage. Plants such as cotton, black walnut, witch-hazel and dogwood were used for a variety of purposes in their communities. Debra Freeman, food anthropologist, writer, and podcaster, will guide you through this rich history and lead you on a tour that will feature examples of some of these plants in the Garden’s collections.

Class includes Garden Admission during our extended hours.  Enjoy time in the Garden before or after class.  

We believe that all adults in our community should have access to plant-based, nature-focused learning opportunities. We offer several pricing tiers so you can register at the amount you’re able to pay. Thank you for your contribution.

• Sustainer: $30

• Supporter: $20

• Contributor: $10

• Attendee: $0

All programs are subject to change.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Now!

Date:
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Event Details

Debra Freeman Lost Spirits: Legacy of African American Brewers and Distillers About the instructor

Debra Freeman is a food anthropologist, podcaster and writer, and writes about Black foodways throughout America, but particularly in Virginia and the greater South. Freeman is the host and creator of Setting the Table, the critically acclaimed podcast that explores Black culinary history. It was named by Apple Podcasts as “one of the shows we loved in 2022”, listed as a podcast to listen to by Tasting Table, and Texas Monthly wrote “[the podcast] explored topics they wished they had covered.” Freeman was recently named as a Black Women in Food, a Snailblazer by Slow Food USA, and one of the Most Powerful Richmonders of 2022. Her written work can be found in outlets such as Eater, Conde´ Nast Traveler, Food52, Modern Farmer, The Local Palate, Plate Magazine, Epicurious, Garden and Gun, Pit Magazine, Gravy, Southern Grit Magazine, and Gastro Obscura, and she has been a cultural commentator for BBC Radio.