Legacy Gardener Films Update
“How to Keep it Going,” sowing seeds for the gardens of tomorrow, the CCGA documentary portrayal of legacy gardeners was presented in a screening of the Legacy Gardener Project, May 22, 5-8 pm in the Jensen Room of Garfield Park Conservatory. If you didn’t already know, this project from Chicago Community Gardeners Association 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; seeds become a garden; a garden became a beloved 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.
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 unfold to see how they inspired others. Following these two short documentaries, another screening was premiered: Juline McClinton, Legacy Gardener. These videotapes 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. A panel led by 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 Isreal with, a young person, Jayveon Edmonds from Urban Roots of the GPCA Youth Advisory council, offering a young person’s perspective.
The Legacy Gardener Videotape project is the work of CCGA’s Education Committee.
Go Fund Me Campaign for Legacy Gardeners