Legacy Gardener Film Project Update
“How to Keep it Going: Sowing Seeds for Gardens of Tomorrow,” the documentary portrayal of CCGA’s legacy gardeners, was presented in a screening of the Legacy Gardener Film Project, May 22, 5-8 pm in the Jensen Room of Garfield Park Conservatory. These films have captured a rich and living history in the lives of three gardeners who tirelessly provided guidance to many while helping them build relationships with each other and the land. They started with seeds; the seeds became a garden; the garden became a beloved part of a community. Our community gardens hold a rich and living history as seen in the lives of our legacy gardeners. As their habits became traditions; traditions became their legacy. Through the hard work of nourishing roots and feeding the soil, legacy gardeners have connected communities and inspired many people.
Pictured, left: Ms. Juline Clinton and her granddaughter Valaria. Right: Ms. Erma Purnell and her sister Tina.
Legacy Gardeners Ms. Erma Purnell of New Horizon’s Garden and Ms. Doretha Penn, of Crystal’s Peace Garden attended the screening with friends, family, and fellow gardeners.
On the big screen in the Jensen Room, we watched as the story of their lives unfolded, to see how they inspired others. Following these two short documentaries, we held the premier of our third Legacy Gardener film honoring Juline McClinton. These moving pictures told their stories as they shared their lives with us: our stories are everything. A panel discussion following the screenings invited everyone to hear from those who have known our legacy gardeners. Moderator Onxy Ongobor, Exhibit Specialist at GPCA, brought conversations that mirrored many of the phrases spoken in the films, striking the deepest chords. Among questions and answers that rang most true, each panelist was asked how they felt represented, or seen, in the lives of the legacy gardeners, and their answers revealed how connected our lives are. The panelists were well known CCGA gardeners, Gina Jamison, Cynthia Weaver, and Dr. Shemuel Israel. We were lucky to also hear fromJayveon Edmonds from Urban Roots of the GPCA Youth Advisory council, offering a young person’s perspective.
All three Legacy Gardener films are now available to watch online HERE.
The Legacy Gardener Film Project is the work of CCGA’s Education Committee.
If you’d like to support this project, please consider making a donation to the Go Fund Me campaign we’ve set up.