Alexis Nikole Nelson (@BlackForager) is a forager and an outdoor educator using her platform to yell, sing and celebrate the edible plants hiding in plain sight! She invites all who will come on the foraging journey of collecting, identifying, and eating wild food. Through her platform, she reframes the world of food, asking us to consider tastefully satiating and environmentally sustainable food choices. She also peels back historical layers on African American food traditions that have in recent history been repressed.

Whether Nelson is teaching audiences which seaweeds are delish or turning acorns into cheese, she does so with a song and a smile. Nelson’s comedic lessons and videos direct audiences toward freely accessible food options and demonstrations of tasty dishes. At the same time, her work addresses systemic barriers to land and food access and has empowered those living in food deserts toward greater self-sufficiency.

Nelson takes audiences into the woods and to the oceans in search of edible plants to enrich their palates and planet, while also teaching skills useful to living in more familiar relationship with the world around us.

Tickets are free but required. Reserve at https://www.universe.com/events/ku-commons-presents-alexis-nikole-nelson-tickets-lawrence-P92QZ5

Book sales will be made available at this event by the Raven Book Store.

This event is in-person only. Masks are recommended.

The Kenneth Spencer Lecture Series is presented by The Commons each year, through the support of the Kenneth A. Spencer Lecture fund.