Mr. Jefferson and the Cherry Blossoms – A Little Known Story

Mr. Jefferson is not just another native Washingtonian. The Mr. Jefferson I
want to share with you is an African American and a botanist. One who we are
proud of particularly at this time of the year. Our Mr. Jefferson was an
International authority on certain flowering cherry trees. Not many people are
aware of his work. These famous Cherry trees attract tourism to the Nation’s
Capital each spring. As a native Washingtonian, I am so proud to share a little
knowledge about Mr. Jefferson.

Roland Maurice Jefferson graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Botany. Finding work in any field for an African American man
in those days, was a little hard. Mr. Jefferson was eager to use his education
in a professional setting. It was the United States Arboretum which opened
their doors to this young man. Mr. Jefferson seized the opportunity to show a
dedication to his botanical skills in addition to a good work ethic.

In any field, starting out in “junior” positions is a common
practice. Having a degree in Botany, he was hired to make labels. Well, Roland
made labels the best way he knew how. He even created labels in metal so they
would last longer. Noticing his determination to make a difference, the United
States Arboretum made the conscientious decision to promote Mr. Jefferson.
Finally, his job title was Botanist. Imagine in 1957 being the first African
American Botanist for the US Arboretum. As an only child, Mr. Jefferson knew
that he had to be the best in whatever he chose to pursue.

We have all begun to realize, that history has not shared enough of the
African American experience in many professions. I am a native Washingtonian.
Sadly, I cannot say there was any mention of Roland on the school field trips
to see the Cherry Blossoms. Our teachers shared limited information on the back
story of the trees and their care. We knew they were a gift, and a tourist
attraction. Many school age children have witnessed this African American man’s
story and never knew it. How many children never realized that a favorite topic
of study is the seed which can become a profession, simply by continuing their
education??

Do you know how many untold number of hours Roland invested writing about
our favored Cherry Trees? He wrote a book, “The
Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees of Washington, DC: A Living Symbol of
Friendship“.

In 1976, the year I graduated from senior high school, Mr. Jefferson
recognized the Cherry trees were in trouble. Botanists are trained to recognize
signs of decline on many things we grow. Taking over one hundred cuttings
allowed Mr. Jefferson to propagate seedlings of the original cherry trees.
Today we are enjoying the offspring of the original trees. As an avid tree
lover, I could not be more thankful for the efforts of this man. I like to
think Mr. Jefferson was just showing off his skills.

The conversation of the African-American experience in horticulture, generally
involves sharecropping. For many people, George Washington Carver is the
ultimate beginning and end of the conversation. Botany provided Roland the
opportunity of a lifetime. I imagine there are more African Americans who have
made a difference in horticulture. We need to unearth and share these stories
all year long – not just in February.

The handiwork of this Botanist can be seen around the world. From his many
seed swaps throughout Europe, Japan Korea and Taiwan, his legacy lives on.
Roland made sure we have a diverse selection of Cherry trees to choose from for
any setting. Much of the research we use today for Flowering Cherry trees
evolve from Mr. Jefferson’s work.

This gentleman Botanist donated his papers to the National Arboretum once he
retired. Even though he is no longer with us on earth, I bet he is observing
his handiwork with a smile.

This year, the Cherry Blossoms will bloom early. Perhaps our changes in
temperature and zone are the reason. In any case, the tourists are coming
anytime between now and March 23, 2024. There National Cherry Blossom Festival
will officially begin on March 20th – April 14th.

Thank you Mr. Jefferson for taking the time to be alert, attentive, and
aware of the perils the Cherry Trees were facing. Your actions made it possible
for future generations to enjoy springtime in DC and the Cherry Blossoms.

Dreaming of the Cherry Blossoms signaling the start of a new season,

Teri, Cottage in the Court

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