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Let’s be honest—when most people think about horticulture, they picture lush gardens, sustainable farming, or maybe a few well-placed houseplants. But how often do we think about the Black pioneers and trailblazers who’ve shaped this field?
That’s why celebrating Black History Month in horticulture is so important. Black people have been cultivating the land, preserving agricultural traditions, and innovating in ways that impact how we grow food and care for our environment today. Unfortunately, their contributions are often overlooked. We would love to be a part of the movement to continue changing that narrative.
We’re helping to shine a light on some of the historical legends and modern-day influencers who have made a lasting impact in horticulture, farming, and environmental activism.
The Legacy: Black Pioneers in Horticulture
George Washington Carver (1864–1943)
If you’ve ever heard the myth that Carver “invented peanut butter,” let’s set the record straight—he didn’t. But what he did do was way more impressive. A scientist, educator, and agricultural genius, Carver promoted crop rotation, soil conservation, and sustainable farming practices at a time when overworked cotton fields were depleting the land. His research helped Black farmers (and many others) shift to nutrient-rich crops like peanuts and sweet potatoes, revolutionizing sustainable agriculture.
Booker T. Whatley (1915–2005)
Ever heard of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)? You know, those programs where you buy a share of a farm’s produce? Well, Booker T. Whatley was talking about that decades before it became mainstream. He was a horticulturist and professor who encouraged small-scale Black farmers to develop “pick-your-own” farms and direct-to-consumer sales to keep their businesses thriving. These programs especially help businesses like ours bridge the spring gap when there is a LOT of money going out, and not much coming in until crops mature! His philosophy of self-sufficiency was all about giving farmers control over their land and economic future. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/you-can-thank-black-horticulturist-booker-t-whatley-your-csa-180977771/
Marie Clark Taylor (1911–1990)
Dr. Marie Clark Taylor was a trailblazing botanist and educator. She was the first Black woman in the U.S. to earn a Ph.D. in botany (1941) and focused much of her research on plant photoperiodism—the study of how plants respond to light cycles. She was also a passionate advocate for science education, helping to reform biology and botany curricula at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Her influence helped shape how plant sciences were taught to future generations https://www.womeninhorticulture.com/post/woman-of-firsts-marie-clark-taylor
Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977)
Fannie Lou Hamer is best known as a civil rights leader, but her contributions to agriculture and food sovereignty are equally powerful. She founded the Freedom Farm Cooperative in 1969 to help Black farmers and families achieve economic independence through sustainable farming. By pooling resources and cultivating land, the cooperative provided food, employment, and housing to marginalized communities. Her work demonstrated how land ownership and agriculture could be tools for empowerment and self-sufficiency.
The Movement: Black Leaders in Horticulture Today
John W. Boyd Jr. (b. 1965)
Farming in America has long been fraught with systemic challenges, especially for Black farmers. John W. Boyd Jr. knows this firsthand—he founded the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) in 1995 to fight against the discrimination Black farmers were facing from the USDA. Thanks to his relentless advocacy, thousands of Black farmers received financial settlements for past injustices, and more attention has been brought to the struggles Black farmers still face today in land ownership and agricultural support.
Leah Penniman
Leah Penniman is on a mission to reclaim Black and Indigenous farming traditions. As the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, she’s working to address food justice, land sovereignty, and sustainable agriculture in Black and Brown communities. She wrote Farming While Black, a book that serves as both a guide and a history lesson for those looking to reconnect with the land. Her work is proof that farming isn’t just about food—it’s about power, healing, and community.
Ron Finley
A true revolutionary, Ron Finley—aka the “Gangsta Gardener”—decided he was done with food deserts in South Central Los Angeles. Instead of accepting that fresh produce was hard to come by in his neighborhood, he started planting gardens in vacant lots and along sidewalks. His message? Grow your own food. Take back your space. His urban gardening movement has inspired countless people to transform neglected spaces into thriving gardens, proving that access to fresh food is a right, not a privilege.
Abra Lee
Abra Lee is a storyteller, historian, and horticulturist on a mission to uncover the real history of Black excellence in gardening. She’s worked in public gardens, led horticultural programs, and is the author of the upcoming book Conquer the Soil, which highlights the untold stories of Black Americans in horticulture. If you want a deeper dive into the cultural and historical impact of Black gardeners, her work is a must-follow.
Karen Washington
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “urban farming,” you should know Karen Washington helped make it mainstream. As the co-founder of Black Urban Growers (BUGS), she’s spent decades advocating for community gardens, food justice, and land ownership for Black farmers. Her belief? Growing food is an act of resistance. By teaching people to cultivate their own food, she’s empowering communities to take control of their health, economy, and future. https://www.karenthefarmer.com/about
Why This Matters
So, why does celebrating Black History Month in horticulture matter? Because Black people have been innovators in agriculture, environmental justice, and gardening for centuries—yet their contributions are rarely highlighted in history books. Recognizing their work isn’t just about giving credit where it’s due; it’s about reclaiming narratives, amplifying voices, and inspiring the next generation of Black farmers, gardeners, and environmental leaders.
Horticulture is about cultivating—not just plants, but history, culture, and community. As small-business owners, we have a responsibility to recognize, support, and uplift these voices—not just during Black History Month, but year-round. By learning from and amplifying the work of Black horticulturists, we contribute to a more just and sustainable future for all.
Who are some Black horticulturists or gardeners who inspire you? We are going to continue this conversation throughout Black History Month on our socials, so follow us, and follow them!
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