An Earth Day Round-up from Room for Reading
In 2024, our creative studio Collection of Collections turned our space in to a lil’ magazine library we call Room for Reading. Over the last year folks have come to visit and left inspired, relaxed, and perhaps just a little hopeful. Within the pages of our favorite independent magazines are stories of Black people immersed in nature. Highlighting these folks and publications here and encouraging you all whether you’re local or visiting New Orleans to please stop by Room for Reading.
From It’s Freezing in LA: The Black Histories Hiding in Plant Names
Illustration by Farida Eltigi.
Pippin’s golden honey pepper, Aunt Lou’s Underground Railroad tomato, the Paul Robeson tomato. Buried in the names of beloved fruits and vegetables is a rich tapestry of Black life, knowledge and history. Amirio Freeman uncovers these stories, exploring how imperial Linnaean naming conventions continue to threaten essential endemic plant names, along with the ways of knowing and remembering that they embody.
From Deem Journal: A Conversation with Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Photography by Guarionex Rodriguez, Jr.
Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, marine biologist, policy expert, and writer in conversation with guest editor Mark Chambers helps us picture and commit to a climate future in which survival is not only possible, but an enticing invitation to which we are all called to respond.
From Fantastic Man: A Conversation with Christian Cooper
Christian Cooper photographed by Benjamin Fredrickson; styling by Ian McRae
Christian Cooper, the celebrated birdwatcher, best-selling author and television presenter invited writer Michael Bullock to join him at his favourite gay bar to talk about his memoir, life since “The Central Park Birdwatching Incident”, and the exclusive world of birding.
From Courier: Hike Clerb
Hike Clerb photographed by Tracy Nguyen
Hike Clerb, a decolonial BIWOC-led outdoor collective and 501(c)3 are re-imagining an inclusive and equitable outdoors. Follow along as Courier goes on a trek and conversation through the hills of Los Angeles.
From Riposte: Betty Reid Soskin
Betty Reid Soskin photographed by James Wojcik
Betty Reid Soskin, now retired, was a National Park Ranger at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. Still sharing her story today, Soskin is a fierce advocate of Black History, storyteller, singer and musician with deep roots in New Orleans. She continues to be celebrated and recognized for the light that she is.
From Travel Almanac: Beverly Glenn-Copeland
Beverly Glenn Copeland photographed by Peter Ash Lee
Beverly Glenn-Copeland, legendary singer and songwriter is photographed in his home garden. Glenn-Copeland in conversation with Jeremy Olds discusses his musical origins, what it feels like to be re-discovered in your seventies, and the spiritual keys to being your truest self.
