Plant Journeys through the African Diaspora (Video)

Kimberly Curtis, community organizer at Howard Garden and Brooklyn Urban Gardener is joined by two local elders, Daphne Fraser and Tracey Reid, to lead us on a journey across continents, linking garden to kitchen while focusing on the properties and stories of three important healing plants indigenous to Africa: moringa, castor, and hibiscus. Presented as part of Making Brooklyn Bloom 2021.

Biographies

Kim Curtis is a yogi, community organizer, and BBG BUG graduate. She combines her experience in urban farming and education to offer wellness products and services to every community, but particularly the underserved. By Our Hands, which Curtis founded to inspire and empower communities to heal holistically, provides programming for nonprofits, community centers, and juvenile detention centers. She serves on the board of the Urban Resource Institute and Howard Garden in Brownsville.

Daphne Fraser is a retired nurse who has lived in Crown Heights for over 50 years. She migrated to Brooklyn from Jamaica through England, and has never lost the connection to her roots. As a longtime supporter of BBG, Fraser is honored to be able to share her heritage as part of Making Brooklyn Bloom.

Tracey Reid is the cofounder of Lionheart Natural Herbs & Spices in Crown Heights. She has been sharing her knowledge and providing the community with herbs from the Caribbean for over 20 years. Reid is honored to show the healing power of Mother Nature, and is grateful to give back to the BBG community.