How Ashley Nussman-Berry Of ‘Black Planters’ Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and Climate Justice
An Interview With Monica Sanders
Sharing knowledge is key. I wish I knew how important it is to provide educational resources and tips. In the group, we share so many sustainable gardening practices, eco-friendly products, and discuss the effects of climate change on our plants and ecosystems. By sharing knowledge, we empower individuals to make informed choices and take meaningful action in their own lives.
According to the University of Colorado, “Those who are most affected and have the fewest resources to adapt to climate change are also the least responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions — both globally and within the United States.” Promoting climate justice is an incredibly important environmental responsibility that is slowly becoming more and more recognized. In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who are helping to promote sustainability and climate justice. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ashley Nussman-Berry.
Ashley Nussman-Berry is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the gardening and plant collecting industry and is currently in the Facebook Community Accelerator Program. As the founder of the Black Planters Facebook group, boasting nearly 45 thousand members, she fosters a vibrant community that breaks down barriers and amplifies underrepresented voices. With a strong educational background in plants/botany and psychology, Ashley is dedicated to promoting community gardens and empowering individuals to grow their own foods, inspiring a greener and more inclusive world.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in the East Bay Area, (Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward) of California. I am one of seven children. My great-grandmother kept houseplants and would allow me to watch her care for them (look, but not touch). My dad always had a vegetable garden. My mom collected orchids and I would go with her to her weekly orchid meetings as a young child. Every year we went to the San Francisco orchid show and would lug a million plants home with us on BART. We would also plant flowers together in the backyard. I always kept a bamboo plant or two in my bedroom growing up . My parents were a little strict when it came to some things, which helped keep me focused on school. Being around so many plant lovers early in life sparked my love of all things plants.
Everyone has a cataclysmic moment or marker in their life which propels them to take certain actions, a “why”. What is your why?
In 2020, during the height of much social/civil/racial unrest, I noticed that many black and POC planters felt excluded/disconnected from the plant community. Many groups did not allow them to post anything related to being black, what was happening in the world, or BLM. I wanted to create a space where black people could come and share their love of plants without being censored or silenced. I wanted them to have a place they felt safe. Plants and gardening have played an integral part in many black families due to histories of slavery so it is like we are reclaiming gardening. I wanted us to be able to build upon generations of knowledge and have a place to share it with other black planters. That is how I created the Facebook group Black Planters.
You are currently leading an organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change?
We are trying to break down barriers and challenge the underrepresentation of diverse voices in the gardening and plant collecting industry. We are working to create community gardens in order to make gardening more accessible and we promote growing your own foods.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
Last year, we organized an online community event called “Sustainable Garden Day,” aimed at educating our members about sustainable gardening techniques and fostering a sense of togetherness. We invited local experts, environmental organizations, and fellow plant enthusiasts to join us in a day filled with workshops and discussions. One of the highlights of the day was a workshop on composting led by a passionate environmentalist and gardening expert. Participants learned about the benefits of composting, how to create their own compost bins, and the importance of reducing waste through organic recycling. I had the opportunity to connect with numerous individuals who had found inspiration and guidance from our Black Planters Facebook group. Many shared stories of how they had transformed their urban spaces into thriving gardens, incorporating sustainable practices and reducing their environmental impact. that empower and uplift underrepresented voices in the environmental and gardening spheres.This event was a turning point for our organization, as it demonstrated the tangible impact we could make by bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and fostering a sense of community. It solidified our commitment to promoting sustainable gardening practices as a means to create healthier environments, strengthen community bonds, and inspire positive change. I hope we can organize an in person Sustainable Day in the near future.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
I have been beyond fortunate to receive tremendous support from Facebook and the mentors and coaches provided through their Community Accelerator Program. Throughout my participation in the program, Facebook and their mentors have been incredibly helpful and have provided invaluable resources and workshops.
One coach in particular, Andréa Hudson of HubSpot, had a profound influence on my path to success.Andréa, an experienced marketing leading and brand architect, was assigned as my coach through the Facebook Community Accelerator Program. From our very first interaction, her passion for empowering diverse voices and her deep knowledge of media became evident. She took the time to understand my vision for the Black Planters Facebook group and helped me refine my goals. She provided expert advice on fostering engagement, managing a large community, and creating impactful content. Her insights and suggestions allowed me to take my group to new heights and effectively reach and connect with plant enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. She encouraged me to embrace challenges and take bold steps towards achieving my goals. Her unwavering support and belief in my vision gave me the confidence to overcome self-doubt and navigate through obstacles. Through regular mentorship sessions, she provided constructive feedback, challenged my assumptions, and inspired me to think creatively. She shared personal anecdotes and real-life examples that helped me better understand the nuances of community building and how to address the underrepresentation of diverse voices in the gardening industry.
The resources and mentors provided by Facebook’s Community Accelerator Program equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead and grow the Black Planters Facebook group. With their support, I learned effective strategies for member engagement, optimized content creation, and implemented community initiatives that resonated with our audience. The influence of mentors like Andréa and the support provided by Facebook’s Community Accelerator Program has been instrumental in my success. They have not only helped me achieve my goals as the founder of the Black Planters Facebook group but have also empowered me to make a tangible impact in the gardening and plant collecting community.
As I continue on my journey, I am grateful for the mentorship and cheerleading I have received, and I am committed to paying it forward by supporting and guiding others in their own pursuits. I firmly believe that with the right mentors and cheerleaders, we can achieve greatness and create positive change in our communities. I am forever grateful for their influence and excited to continue growing, learning, and making a difference with their continued support.
Thank you for that. Let’s now move to the central part of our discussion. Let’s start with a basic definition of terms so that everyone is on the same page. What does climate justice mean to you? How do we operationalize it?
To me, climate justice represents a fundamental principle that aims to address the unequal burden of climate change impacts on marginalized communities and ensure equitable solutions for a sustainable future. It recognizes that those who are least responsible for climate change often bear the greatest consequences, and that everyone should have equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes related to climate action.
To operationalize climate justice, we need to take concrete steps that prioritize the needs and voices of marginalized communities. This begins by acknowledging and rectifying historical and ongoing environmental injustices, such as the disproportionate exposure to pollution and the lack of access to clean air, water, and green spaces in marginalized areas. Education and awareness also play a significant role in operationalizing climate justice. By promoting environmental literacy, fostering understanding of climate change impacts, and advocating for environmental justice, we can empower individuals to take informed action and become advocates for change within their communities. Operationalizing climate justice requires an intersectional approach. Recognizing the interconnectedness of various social and environmental issues, such as racial justice, gender equity, and indigenous rights, is crucial. By integrating these perspectives into climate action, we can ensure that no one is left behind and that our efforts are truly transformative and inclusive.
Science is telling us that we have 7–10 years to make critical decisions about climate change. What are three things you or your organization are doing to help?
- Raising Awareness and Education: We believe that education is a powerful tool for change. Through our Facebook group, we regularly share information, articles, and resources about climate change, sustainable practices, and the importance of biodiversity. By raising awareness and providing accessible education, we aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions and take climate-friendly actions in their own lives.
- Promoting Sustainable Gardening Practices: Gardening offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment. In our group, we actively promote sustainable gardening practices such as composting, water conservation, organic gardening methods, and the use of native plants. By encouraging our members to adopt these practices, we collectively reduce carbon footprints, support biodiversity, and contribute to mitigating climate change.
- Advocating for Collective Action: We actively collaborate with other organizations, both online and offline, to strengthen our collective efforts. By partnering with like-minded groups and participating in relevant campaigns and initiatives, we amplify our voice, expand our reach, and advocate for stronger climate action.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you in your mission?
To further our mission, I would recommend fostering more inclusive spaces, prioritizing environmental education, and putting more sustainable policies in place. Collaboration between the community, society, and policymakers is essential.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
A business can become more profitable by being sustainable because it builds trust with customers when they see that a company truly cares and wants to do well for our planet. The more work we do in and with the community, the more trust we garner. This level of transparency enhances their brand reputation and fosters a sense of authenticity, leading to increased customer loyalty and ultimately, profitability.
This is the signature question we ask in most of our interviews. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started promoting sustainability and climate justice” and why?
1 . I didn’t realize how powerful a community could be in driving change. When we come together, we can make a real impact on sustainability and climate justice. Through my journey with the Black Planters Facebook group, I witnessed firsthand how a united community can make a real impact. For example, we organized a community clean-up day where members came together to remove litter from a local park. The collective effort not only beautified the space but also raised awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship within our community.
2 . Secondly, sharing knowledge is key. I wish I knew how important it is to provide educational resources and tips. In the group, we share so many sustainable gardening practices, eco-friendly products, and discuss the effects of climate change on our plants and ecosystems. By sharing knowledge, we empower individuals to make informed choices and take meaningful action in their own lives.
3 . Third, collaboration and support are vital. Working together with other sustainability-focused groups and organizations amplifies our efforts and creates a stronger movement for positive change. We hope to partner with an environmental organization to host a joint workshop on urban gardening. This collaboration will not only expand our reach but also allow us to share resources and expertise, fostering a sense of collective impact.
4 . Number four, taking action matters. Encouraging our members to actively engage in sustainable gardening techniques, community projects, and advocacy initiatives helps us turn our passion into tangible results. For instance, we organized a community garden project where members volunteered their time to transform an unused plot of land into a vibrant green space. This hands-on project not only beautified the neighborhood but also provided a platform for education and community-building.
5 . Last but not least, I’ve learned the importance of amplifying marginalized voices in the sustainability and climate justice movement. By promoting and supporting black-owned sustainable businesses and advocating for climate justice initiatives, we can address systemic inequalities. We collaborated with a few black-owned plant nurseries featuring their products and sharing their story within our group. This not only supported their business but also highlighted the importance of diversity and representation in the sustainability space.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would be thrilled to have a private breakfast or lunch with Ron Finley, the renowned “Gangsta Gardener” and activist, who has made significant contributions to urban gardening.Teaming up with Ron Finley would be an incredible opportunity to collaborate with a prominent figure in the Black community who shares a passion for plants and gardening. I would love to discuss potential partnership opportunities and joint projects that leverage our platforms to inspire and educate others about the transformative power of gardening. Ron Finley’s expertise in urban gardening and his dedication to addressing food deserts and promoting self-sufficiency align closely with the mission of our Black Planters Facebook group. We could advocate for increased access to green spaces, gardening resources, and plant knowledge in underserved communities.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
Our website blackplanters.co will be up in July. I am on youtube and and instagram as melaninplanter. I can also be found on LinkedIn. If they are black and like plants, they can join Black Planters on Facebook.
Thank you for all the work that Last Mile Food Rescue is doing. I’m excited to see where you are next year and five years from now. Perhaps we’ll talk again.
About the Interviewer: Monica Sanders JD, LL.M, is the founder of “The Undivide Project”, an organization dedicated to creating climate resilience in underserved communities using good tech and the power of the Internet. She holds faculty roles at the Georgetown University Law Center and the Tulane University Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy. Professor Sanders also serves on several UN agency working groups. As an attorney, Monica has held senior roles in all three branches of government, private industry, and nonprofits. In her previous life, she was a journalist for seven years and the recipient of several awards, including an Emmy. Now the New Orleans native spends her time in solidarity with and championing change for those on the frontlines of climate change and digital divestment. Learn more about how to join her at: www.theundivideproject.org.
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