I collaborated with my colleagues to study the legacy of enslavement at the Missouri Botanical Garden, conducting archival research to examine how enslaved labor contributed to the institution’s historical development. I helped design educational materials that illuminate the previously overlooked stories of enslaved individuals and people of color connected to the Garden’s history. I contributed to the development of lesson plans and youth-oriented educational content focused on Henry Shaw and the enslaved individuals connected to his estate, working to make rigorous historical research accessible to a wider audience. Throughout this work, I engaged in critical reflection on how historical narratives continue to shape communities today, and I participated in ongoing discussions regarding how institutions can more meaningfully acknowledge and address past injustices
